Fluid composition sensor device and method of using the same

Abstract

The present invention is entitled "Fluid composition sensor device and method of using the same". Various embodiments relate to a collection medium assembly for receiving one or more particles from a volume of fluid within a fluid composition sensor. In various embodiments, the collection medium assembly includes: a housing; a transparent substrate; a collection medium, the collection medium being disposed on the transparent substrate and configured to receive one or more particles from a volume of fluid received through a fluid inlet; and at least one alignment feature. The housing defines an open lower end, the open lower end being configured to interact with an imaging device so that the one or more particles received by the collection medium are visible from the open lower end through the transparent substrate. Each of the at least one alignment feature is configured to engage a corresponding element disposed within the fluid composition sensor so as to constrain relative movement between the collection medium assembly and the corresponding element in at least a first direction.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Sensors and devices can be used to characterize various aspects of fluids in a variety of applications. As just one example, sensor devices can be used to monitor air conditions, such as monitoring and characterizing the particle content of an air stream. However, existing fluid sensor devices provide limited functionality in generating data indicating certain characteristics of a fluid, such as the unique characteristics and concentration of individual particles contained within the fluid stream. Fluid sensor devices can use holographic imaging methods to characterize particle characteristics and concentrations of particulate matter collected via inertial impact. It is desirable to improve various aspects of particle sampling and analysis. In general, it may be advantageous for fluid sampling devices to utilize sampling media that enable rapid and / or simplified sequential sampling of particles. For devices that utilize holographic imaging (such as lensless holography) for in-situ particle analysis, it is desirable to avoid light reflections and scattering in order to achieve optimal image quality.

[0002]

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved fluid sensor device that is capable of accurately collecting and analyzing the particle content of a sample volume of fluid from an ambient environment in an easily repeatable manner using a single sensor device. Summary of the invention

[0003] Various embodiments described herein relate to devices and methods for collecting and characterizing particles suspended in a fluid. Various embodiments relate to an apparatus for detecting fluid particle properties, the apparatus comprising: a fluid composition sensor, the fluid composition sensor being configured to receive a volume of fluid, the fluid composition sensor comprising: a removable fluid flow component, the removable fluid flow component being disposed within an internal sensor portion and being configured to define at least a portion of a fluid flow path; a collection medium assembly base element, the collection medium assembly base element being configured to receive a replaceable collection medium assembly comprising a collection medium, the collection medium being configured to receive one or more of a plurality of particles within the volume of fluid, such that the replaceable collection medium assembly is arranged in a particle collection position within the internal sensor portion; an imaging device, the imaging device being configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the one or more of the plurality of particles received by the collection medium; a controller, the controller being configured to determine at least one particle property of the plurality of particles of the volume of fluid based at least in part on the image. Wherein at least a portion of the fluid flow path extends in a direction of fluid flow at least substantially toward the collection media; and wherein the collection media assembly base element is configured to constrain relative movement between the replaceable collection media assembly and the imaging device in a lateral direction.

[0004] In various embodiments, the imaging device may be configured to capture the image of one or more particles of the plurality of particles received by the collection medium using lensless holography. In various embodiments, the collection medium assembly base element may include one or more alignment features configured to engage the replaceable collection medium assembly so as to constrain the replaceable collection medium assembly to resist movement relative to the collection medium assembly base element. In certain embodiments, the replaceable collection medium assembly may also include one or more alignment features configured to engage the collection medium assembly base element so as to constrain the replaceable collection medium assembly to resist movement relative to the collection medium assembly base element in at least a second direction.

[0005] In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor may further include a housing defining the internal sensor portion and including a fluid inlet configured to receive the volume of fluid; wherein the housing is selectively configurable between an open housing configuration and a closed housing configuration, wherein the open housing configuration provides an opening through which a replaceable collection media assembly can be removed from the internal sensor portion, and wherein the fluid composition sensor in the closed configuration is configured to constrain the replaceable collection media assembly to resist movement relative to the collection media assembly base element in at least a lateral, vertical, and angular direction. In certain embodiments, the removable fluid flow component may be configured to be removable from the internal sensor portion when the fluid composition sensor is in the open configuration. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the removable fluid flow component may include a first fluid flow component portion and a second fluid flow component portion, wherein the first fluid flow component portion is configured to be separable from the second fluid flow component to facilitate selective access to the internal portion of the removable fluid flow component. In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor can be configured such that when the fluid composition sensor is in the closed configuration, a vertical compressive force is applied to the replaceable collection media assembly to at least partially constrain the replaceable collection media assembly in a vertical direction.

[0006] In various embodiments, the collection media assembly base element may include an imaging aperture configured to define a line of sight relative to the one or more particles received by the collection media, the line of sight extending through at least a portion of the collection media assembly base element. In certain embodiments, the fluid composition sensor may also include a removable transparent protective cover disposed within the internal sensor portion and configured to cover at least a portion of the imaging aperture. In various embodiments, the imaging device may be operably secured to the collection media assembly base element.

[0007] In various embodiments, the fluid flow path is at least partially defined by a fluid impact outlet, which is disposed within the internal sensor portion and is configured relative to the collection media assembly base element so as to direct the volume of fluid in a direction of fluid flow at least substantially perpendicular to the collection media of the replaceable collection media assembly received by the collection media assembly base element. In addition, in various embodiments, the fluid impact outlet may be at least partially defined by a fluid impact outlet shape, which is at least substantially similar to the field of view shape of the imaging device. In certain embodiments, the fluid impact outlet may be at least partially defined by a fluid impact outlet area, which is at least substantially similar to the field of view area of ​​the imaging device. In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor may be configured such that at least a portion of the collection media of the replaceable collection media assembly received by the collection media assembly base element is at least substantially aligned with the field of view of the imaging device and the central axis of the fluid impact outlet. In various embodiments, wherein the fluid flow path may be at least partially defined by an impactor nozzle, and wherein the fluid impact outlet is defined by an impactor nozzle outlet of the impactor nozzle.

[0008] In various embodiments, the device may also include at least one illumination source configured to emit one or more light beams so as to engage the collection medium of the replaceable collection medium assembly received by the collection medium assembly base element and illuminate one or more particles received by the collection medium. In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor may be configured such that before dispensing the volume of fluid from the internal sensor portion through the fluid outlet of the fluid composition sensor, the volume of fluid passes through at least a portion of an internal circuit disposed within the internal sensor portion. In various embodiments, one or both of the controller and the imaging device may be configured to read one or more identification elements disposed on the replaceable collection medium assembly received by the collection medium assembly base element so as to identify the replaceable collection medium assembly, wherein the one or more identification elements are configured to uniquely identify the replaceable collection medium assembly. In certain embodiments, the fluid composition sensor may be configured to receive a plurality of replaceable collection medium assemblies in series continuously within the internal sensor portion.

[0009] Various embodiments relate to a method for detecting fluid particle characteristics, the method comprising: receiving a certain volume of fluid via a sensor; directing the volume of fluid toward a collection medium of a replaceable collection medium assembly via an impactor nozzle; receiving one or more particles of a plurality of particles within the volume of fluid via the collection medium; using an imaging device disposed within the sensor to capture an image of the one or more particles of the plurality of particles received by the collection medium; determining at least one particle characteristic of the plurality of particles of the certain volume of fluid based at least in part on the image; and reconfiguring the sensor to an open configuration when determining the at least one particle characteristic of the plurality of particles of the volume of fluid; and replacing the replaceable collection medium assembly with a second replaceable collection medium assembly; wherein the second replaceable collection medium assembly includes at least one alignment feature, and wherein replacing the replaceable collection medium assembly with the second replaceable collection medium assembly includes positioning the second replaceable collection medium assembly within a portion of the sensor based at least in part on at least one alignment feature.

[0010] In various embodiments, the method may further include reconfiguring the sensor to a closed configuration, wherein reconfiguring the sensor to the closed configuration includes constraining the second replaceable collection medium assembly relative to the sensor in at least a lateral direction, a vertical direction, and an angular direction. In certain embodiments, lensless holography may be used to capture the image of the one or more particles in the plurality of particles received by the collection medium.

[0011] Various embodiments relate to a collection medium assembly for receiving one or more particles from a volume of fluid within a fluid composition sensor, the collection medium assembly comprising: a housing; a transparent substrate; a collection medium disposed on the transparent substrate and configured to receive one or more particles from a volume of fluid received through a fluid inlet; and at least one alignment feature; wherein the housing defines an open lower end, the open lower end being configured to interact with an imaging device so that the one or more particles received by the collection medium are visible from the open lower end of the housing through the transparent substrate; and wherein each of the at least one alignment feature is configured to engage a corresponding element disposed within the fluid composition sensor so as to constrain relative movement between the collection medium assembly and the corresponding element in at least a first direction.

[0012] In various embodiments, the collection media assembly may further include at least one orifice extending through at least a portion of the housing, the at least one orifice being arranged to define a line of sight relative to the one or more particles received by the collection media, the line of sight extending through at least a portion of the housing. In certain embodiments, the at least one orifice may be configured to enable the volume of fluid to flow through the collection media assembly. In various embodiments, the housing may include a first housing portion and a second housing portion, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to at least partially constrain the collection media relative to the housing. In various embodiments, the housing may be at least partially defined by a central vertical axis extending therethrough in a vertical direction, and wherein the housing includes a perimeter that is asymmetric about the central vertical axis.

[0013] In various embodiments, the at least one alignment feature of the collection media assembly can be configured to constrain relative movement between the collection media assembly and an imaging device disposed within the fluid composition sensor. In certain embodiments, the at least one alignment feature of the collection media assembly can be configured to constrain the replaceable collection media assembly relative to the fluid composition sensor in at least a lateral direction, a vertical direction, and an angular direction. In various embodiments, the fluid inlet can be at least partially defined by a fluid inlet shape that is at least substantially similar to a field of view shape of an imaging device disposed within the fluid composition sensor.

[0014] In various embodiments, the fluid inlet may be at least partially defined by a fluid inlet area, the fluid inlet area being at least substantially similar to a field of view area of ​​an imaging device disposed within the fluid composition sensor. In certain embodiments, the collection media assembly may further include an impactor nozzle configured to define at least a portion of the fluid inlet of the collection media assembly, wherein the impactor nozzle is configured to direct the volume of fluid toward the collection media in a direction of fluid flow at least substantially perpendicular to the collection media. In certain embodiments, the impactor nozzle may include an impactor nozzle outlet at least partially defined by a nozzle outlet shape, the nozzle outlet shape being at least substantially similar to a field of view shape of the imaging device disposed within the fluid composition sensor. In certain embodiments, the impactor nozzle may include an impactor nozzle outlet at least partially defined by a nozzle outlet area, the nozzle outlet area being at least substantially similar to a field of view area of ​​the imaging device disposed within the fluid composition sensor.

[0015] Various embodiments relate to an apparatus for detecting fluid particle characteristics, the apparatus comprising: a fluid composition sensor, the fluid composition sensor being configured to receive a certain volume of fluid, the fluid composition sensor comprising: a housing, the housing defining an internal sensor portion and comprising a fluid inlet configured to receive a certain volume of fluid; a fluid flow component, the fluid flow component being disposed within the internal sensor portion and being configured to define at least a portion of a fluid flow path; an impactor nozzle, the impactor nozzle being configured to receive at least a portion of the volume of fluid, such that the at least a portion of the volume of fluid received by the impactor nozzle is directed along a fluid flow direction; and at least one collection medium assembly base element, the at least one collection medium assembly base element being configured to receive a replaceable collection medium assembly comprising a collection medium, the collection medium being configured to receive one or more particles of a plurality of particles within the volume of fluid, such that The replaceable collection media assembly is arranged in a particle collection position within the internal sensor portion and is constrained to resist movement in at least one direction relative to the at least one collection media assembly base element; an imaging device, which is configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the one or more particles of the plurality of particles received by the collection media of the replaceable collection media assembly received by the at least one collection media assembly base element; a collection media assembly ejection element; and a controller, which is configured to determine at least one particle characteristic of the plurality of particles of the volume of fluid based at least in part on the image; wherein the fluid flow direction is at least substantially toward the collection media; and wherein the fluid composition sensor is configured to receive a pressing force from the replaceable collection media assembly so as to constrain the replaceable collection media assembly to resist movement in at least a vertical direction relative to the imaging device.

[0016] In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor may be configured to align the replaceable collection media assembly in a position at least substantially adjacent to the imaging device upon receiving a compressive force received from the replaceable collection media assembly so as to define an air seal that at least partially isolates the imaging device from the volume of fluid. In various embodiments, one or both of the controller and the imaging device may be configured to read one or more identification elements disposed on the replaceable collection media assembly received by a collection media assembly base element so as to identify the replaceable collection media assembly, and wherein the one or more identification elements are configured to uniquely identify the replaceable collection media assembly. In respective embodiments, the impactor nozzle may include an impactor nozzle outlet at least partially defined by a nozzle outlet shape, the nozzle outlet shape being at least substantially similar to a field of view shape of the imaging device. In certain embodiments, the impactor nozzle may include an impactor nozzle outlet at least partially defined by a nozzle outlet area, the nozzle outlet area being at least substantially similar to the field of view area of ​​the imaging device. In various embodiments, the collection media assembly ejection element may be configured to engage a latch of the replaceable collection media assembly received by the at least one collection media assembly base element, the latch being configured to prevent removal of the replaceable collection media assembly from the sensor.

[0017] Various embodiments relate to a collection medium assembly for receiving one or more particles from a volume of fluid within a fluid composition sensor, the collection medium assembly comprising: a frame element; a transparent substrate; a collection medium disposed on the transparent substrate and configured to receive one or more particles from a volume of fluid; and at least one compression element configured to apply a compressive force against an adjacent portion of an internal sensor portion within the fluid composition sensor so as to constrain the replaceable collection medium assembly in at least one direction relative to the imaging device of the fluid composition sensor; and a latch configured to prevent removal of the replaceable collection medium assembly from the sensor; wherein each of the at least one alignment feature is configured to engage a corresponding element disposed within the fluid composition sensor so as to constrain relative movement between the collection medium assembly and the corresponding element in at least a vertical direction. In various embodiments, the collection medium assembly may also include one or more identification elements configured to uniquely identify the replaceable collection medium assembly, wherein the one or more identification elements are further configured to be read by the imaging device.

[0018] Various embodiments relate to a method for detecting a particle characteristic of a fluid, the method comprising: inserting at least a portion of a collection media assembly into an interior portion of a sensor, the collection media assembly comprising: a collection media, the collection media being configured to receive one or more particles of a plurality of particles within the volume of fluid; at least one compression element, the at least one compression element being configured to apply a compressive force against an adjacent portion of the interior sensor portion so as to constrain the replaceable collection media assembly in at least one direction relative to the imaging device; a latch, the latch being configured to prevent removal of the replaceable collection media assembly from the sensor; receiving a volume of fluid via the sensor; directing the volume of fluid toward the collection media of the collection media assembly via an impactor nozzle in a first nozzle configuration, receiving one or more particles of a plurality of particles within the volume of fluid via the collection media; using an imaging device disposed within the sensor to capture an image of the one or more particles of the plurality of particles received by the collection media; determining at least one particle characteristic of the plurality of particles of the volume of fluid based at least in part on the image; and removing the collection media assembly from the interior portion of the sensor when determining the at least one particle characteristic of the plurality of particles of the volume of fluid. In certain embodiments, methods may further include identifying the replaceable collection media assembly based at least in part on an identification element disposed on the replaceable collection media assembly using one or both of a sensor controller and the imaging device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary fluid composition sensor is shown according to various embodiments.

[0021] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary device according to one embodiment described herein is shown.

[0022] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary device according to one embodiment described herein is shown.

[0023] Figure 4 Shown is an exploded view of an exemplary apparatus according to various embodiments described herein.

[0024] Figure 5 A perspective view of an exemplary fluid composition sensor is shown according to various embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A perspective view of an exemplary apparatus according to various embodiments is shown.

[0026] Figure 7 Shown is an exploded view of an exemplary apparatus according to various embodiments described herein.

[0027] Figure 8 Shown is a perspective view of an exemplary replaceable collection media assembly according to various embodiments described herein.

[0028] Fig. 9 Shown is an exploded view of an exemplary replaceable collection media assembly according to various embodiments described herein.

[0029] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B Shown is a perspective view of an exemplary replaceable collection media assembly according to various embodiments described herein.

[0030] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B Shown is a perspective view of an exemplary replaceable collection media assembly according to various embodiments described herein.

[0031] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B Shown is a perspective view of an exemplary replaceable collection media assembly according to various embodiments described herein.

[0032] Fig.13 Shown is a perspective view of an exemplary collection media assembly base component according to various embodiments described herein.

[0033] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14B A cross-sectional view of an exemplary device according to one embodiment described herein is shown.

[0034] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15B A cross-sectional view of an exemplary device according to one embodiment described herein is shown.

[0035] Fig.16 Shown is a perspective view of an exemplary replaceable collection media assembly according to various embodiments described herein.

[0036] Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary device according to one embodiment described herein is shown.

[0037] Fig.18 Exemplary apparatuses for implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure are schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present disclosure more fully describes various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that some but not all embodiments are shown and described herein. In fact, the embodiments may take many different forms, and therefore the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided in order to enable the present disclosure to meet applicable legal requirements. Throughout the content, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements.

[0039] First, it should be understood that although illustrative embodiments of one or more aspects are shown below, any number of techniques (whether currently known or not yet available) can be used to implement the disclosed components, systems, and methods. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary embodiments, drawings, and techniques shown below, but can be modified within the scope of the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. Although the dimensional values ​​of various elements are disclosed, the drawings may not be drawn to scale.

[0040] As used herein, the words "example" or "exemplary" are intended to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "example" or "exemplary" is not necessarily preferred or advantageous over other implementations. As used herein, a "fluid" may be embodied as a gas, a liquid, or a combination of a gas and a liquid in a single flow. Thus, the term "fluid" includes various substances that flow, such as, but not limited to, liquids and / or gases (e.g., air, oil, etc.). Thus, various embodiments relate to fluid sensing systems, such as gas sensing systems (e.g., certain embodiments are specifically configured to operate with air; other embodiments are configured to operate with other gases, such as inert gases, volatile gases, etc.), liquid sensing systems, and the like.

[0041] Overview

[0042] A device (which may be referred to as a fluid composition sensor, fluid particle sensor, gas particle sensor, or air particle sensor as discussed herein) is described herein, which is configured to characterize and monitor particulate matter within a certain volume of fluid. The device discussed herein may be configured to quantify and classify particles within a certain volume of fluid based at least in part on imaging of particles received by a collection medium of a fluid composition sensor. In addition, the device discussed herein may be configured to characterize the particle composition within a certain volume of fluid by directly identifying the particle size and particle type of each particle in the particles received by the collection medium of the fluid composition sensor. By directly determining the particle size and particle type, the device as described herein may be configured to detect changes in the particle composition within a certain volume of fluid over time and / or position.

[0043] Additionally, the devices described herein can be configured to perform both particle collection functions and particle analysis functions without the time, effort, and inherent inaccuracies associated with removing the collection media from the sensor device and transporting the media to a second location for subsequent analysis. The devices described herein facilitate both particle collection functions and particle analysis functions by enabling an imaging device disposed within a fluid composition sensor to capture an image of a plurality of particles received by the collection media while a replaceable collection media assembly remains fixed in a particle collection position within an interior portion of the sensor.

[0044] In addition, the device described herein can be configured to increase the reliability of the device and the user satisfaction associated with the device by utilizing one or more replaceable parts. According to certain embodiments discussed herein, one or more parts of the device can be easily removed from the internal part of the device, thereby facilitating its cleaning and / or replacement, thereby minimizing the risk of sample contamination and / or the system inaccuracy caused by the image distortion generated by the accumulated particulate matter disposed in the device. According to certain embodiments discussed herein, the collection medium for collecting particles from a certain volume of fluid in the fluid composition sensor can be replaced manually or automatically (in the fluid collection position) after the sample collection process. The fluid composition sensor and the replaceable collection medium assembly include alignment features and self-positioning elements, which are conducive to the arrangement of the operability of the particle collection function and the particle analysis function of the sensor to insert the collection medium into the repeatability of the device. The device herein can minimize the intermittent interaction of the user with the collection medium, thereby speeding up the sample collection process, reducing the physical work required by the user, promoting measurement automation, and minimizing the device failure caused by misalignment during the reconfiguration of one or more device parts defined by the user.

[0045] Fluid composition sensor

[0046] The fluid composition sensor 10 may be configured to receive a volume of fluid flowing therethrough. Specifically, the fluid composition sensor 10 may be configured to receive a volume of gas, such as air, flowing therethrough. In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 may be further configured to capture an image of one or more particles of a plurality of particles present within the received volume of fluid. Figure 1As shown, the fluid composition sensor 10 may include a housing 11 defining an internal sensor portion, wherein one or more components of the exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 described herein may be at least partially disposed. In various embodiments, the housing may include a rigid material (e.g., a rigid plastic material) and / or an elastic material (e.g., an elastic polymer material forming a protective sleeve on the upper and lower ends of the housing). In various embodiments, the housing 11 may include an upper surface and a bottom surface, wherein one or more side walls extend between the upper and bottom surfaces in a substantially vertical direction. As described herein, the one or more side walls of the fluid composition sensor housing 11 may define at least a portion of the height of the fluid composition sensor 10, wherein the height of the sensor 10 extends in the z-direction. Similarly, the bottom surface of the fluid composition sensor housing 11 may extend along an at least substantially horizontal plane, thereby defining at least a portion of both the length and width of the fluid composition sensor 10, wherein the length and width of the sensor 10 extend in the x-direction and the y-direction, respectively. The housing 11 of the fluid composition sensor 10 may include a sensor fluid inlet 18 embodied as an opening, through which the fluid composition sensor may receive a volume of fluid from the surrounding environment. As discussed herein, the fluid composition sensor 10 may include a power source (eg, the battery 80 discussed herein) and a controller 50 such that one or more components of the fluid composition sensor 10 as discussed herein may be electrically and communicatively coupled to the controller 50 .

[0047] In various embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the fluid composition sensor 10 may include an illumination source 60, a controller 50, a replaceable collection media assembly 100, a collection media assembly base element 200, and an imaging device 300. In addition, in various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 may also include a removable fluid flow component 40 configured to define a fluid flow path and direction within the fluid composition sensor 10 from the sensor fluid inlet 18 in a direction at least substantially toward the collection media disposed within the sensor 10. The fluid composition sensor 10 of the illustrated embodiment also includes: a fan or pump 70 configured to pull the volume of fluid into and through the fluid composition sensor 10 along the defined fluid flow path; a power source 80 configured to power the fluid composition sensor; and / or an internal circuit 18 configured to electrically communicate with one or more of the aforementioned components of the fluid composition sensor 10. In various embodiments, the fan or pump 70 is calibrated so that the flow rate of the fluid moving through the device is known / determined based at least in part on the operating characteristics (e.g., operating power) of the fan or pump 70. In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor may further include one or more buttons (or other user interface elements) disposed about the housing 11, each of which may be in electronic communication with the internal circuitry 18 of the sensor 10 to facilitate one or more sensor functions as described herein when a user engages the button. For example, user engagement of a button may initiate transmission of at least one electrical signal associated with the one or more sensor functions corresponding to the button to the controller 50.

[0048] In various embodiments, as described herein, the fluid composition sensor 10 can be configured to perform both a particle collection function and a particle analysis function. Figure 2 A perspective cutaway view of an exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 according to various embodiments described herein is shown. Specifically, Figure 2The illustrated exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 is shown as performing at least a portion of a particle collection function of the sensor 10. As described herein, the particle collection function of the fluid composition sensor 10 may correspond to: the fluid composition sensor 10 receiving a volume of fluid including a plurality of particles from an ambient environment; and directing the volume of fluid toward a collection medium 131 disposed within the sensor 10 using a removable fluid flow component 40 and an impactor nozzle 112 disposed within the interior sensor portion 13. As described herein, the removable fluid flow component 40 may be configured to receive the volume of fluid from the sensor fluid inlet 18 through at least one fluid flow component inlet 41A, and may define a fluid flow path 90 such that the volume of fluid may travel from the fluid flow component inlet 41A to the impactor nozzle 112. The impactor nozzle 112 may include a nozzle inlet configured to receive the volume of fluid from the removable fluid flow component 40, and a nozzle outlet, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle inlet is greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle outlet. The impactor nozzle 112 can be configured such that the volume of fluid containing the plurality of particles passes through the impactor nozzle in a direction of fluid flow that is at least substantially perpendicular to the collection medium 131. As described, the variable cross-sectional area of ​​the impactor nozzle 112 can be configured to increase the velocity of the volume of fluid (e.g., the plurality of particles therein) flowing through the nozzle 112 and induce laminar flow such that at least a portion of the plurality of particles within the volume of fluid have sufficient momentum to impact the collection medium 131 and become disposed therein. For example, the volume of fluid can travel from the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112 and pass through at least a portion of the surface of the collection medium 131 such that at least a portion of the plurality of particles within the volume of fluid become disposed within the collection medium 131.

[0049] In various embodiments, the volume of fluid may continue to travel along the fluid flow path 90 within the internal sensor portion 13 while passing through the surface of the collection medium 131. At least a portion of the volume of fluid may be directed (e.g., by a fan and / or pump 70) to an outlet (e.g., one or more discharge slots) of the fluid composition sensor 10, whereby the volume of fluid may be dispensed back into the surrounding environment. In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 may be configured such that, prior to being dispensed from the sensor 10, at least a portion of the volume of fluid may be directed and circulated toward the internal circuit 18 within the internal sensor portion 13 so as to facilitate cooling of the internal circuit 18 by passing the volume of fluid over at least a portion of the internal circuit. In this case, the fluid composition sensor 10 may be configured such that a portion of the volume of fluid used to cool the internal circuit 18 may then be dispensed from the outlet of the sensor 10.

[0050] Figure 31 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 according to various embodiments described herein. Specifically, Figure 3 The exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 shown is shown as performing at least a portion of the particle analysis function of the sensor 10. As described herein, the particle analysis function of the fluid composition sensor 10 may correspond to the fluid composition sensor 10 capturing an image of the one or more particles received by the collection medium 131 and disposed therein, and determining at least one particle characteristic of the volume of fluid received by the fluid composition sensor 10 based at least in part on the captured image. In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 may include an illumination source 60 configured to emit one or more light beams. In various embodiments, the illumination source 60 may be a laser, a lamp, a light emitting diode (LED), etc., which may be collectively configured to generate a light beam (e.g., ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared light, white light, monochromatic visible light, or polychromatic light) that may be emitted toward the collection medium 131, as described in further detail herein. For example, the illumination source 60 of the fluid composition sensor 10 may be configured to emit one or more light beams 61 so as to engage the collection medium 131 and illuminate the one or more particles disposed therein, as described herein. In various embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the fluid composition sensor 10 can be configured such that the illumination source 60 is at least substantially aligned with the imaging device 300. Additionally, for example, the illumination source 60 can be at least substantially aligned with the central axis of the impactor nozzle 112. In such a configuration, the illumination source 60 can be arranged such that a light beam 61 emitted therefrom extends through the removable fluid flow component 40 in a direction at least substantially aligned with the central nozzle axis, such that at least a portion of the one or more light beams 61 extend through both the nozzle inlet and the nozzle outlet of the impactor nozzle 112 to illuminate the one or more particles disposed in the collection medium 131. As described herein, the imaging device 300 disposed within the internal sensor portion 13 can be configured to utilize the light beam 61 emitted from the illumination source 60 to capture an image of one or more particles of the plurality of particles received by the collection medium 131 using one or more imaging techniques such as holographic microscopy (e.g., lensless holography), etc.

[0051] The fluid composition sensor 10 (e.g., the controller 50) can be configured to analyze the captured image, as described herein, in order to determine the particle size and / or other particle characteristics of one or more particles captured within the collection medium 131. For example, in various embodiments in which the imaging device 300 is configured to utilize lensless holography to analyze one or more particles embedded within the collection medium 131, the imaging device 300 can computationally generate an image of the one or more particles received by the collection medium 131 by digitally reconstructing one or more microscopic images of the one or more particles without using a lens. When performing the particle analysis function as described herein, the fluid composition sensor 10 can characterize the particle composition within the volume of fluid by directly identifying the particle size and / or particle type of each of the particles received by the collection medium 131. For example, the fluid composition sensor can detect changes in the particle composition within a volume of fluid over time and / or position.

[0052] As described herein, in various embodiments, the particle collection function and the particle analysis function of the fluid composition sensor 10 can be performed sequentially such that upon determining that the entire sample volume of fluid has passed through the surface of the collection medium 131 and therefore the need for the particle collection function of the fluid composition sensor has been at least temporarily exhausted, the fluid composition sensor can be configured to initiate the particle analysis function.

[0053] As described above, in various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 may include a lens-free microscope, such as one described in WIPO Publication No. 518 / 165590, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In various embodiments, the lens-free microscope may utilize one or more techniques such as holographic microscopy (e.g., lens-free holography) to capture particle images of the one or more particles in the plurality of particles received by the collection medium 131 as described herein. Alternatively, the fluid composition sensor 10 may include a lens-based imaging device or any other device configured to capture an image, which may be analyzed as described herein to determine the particle size or other particle characteristics of one or more particles captured from a volume of fluid by the collection medium 131 disposed within the interior sensor portion of the fluid composition sensor 10. In various embodiments, the lens-based imaging device may utilize one or more imaging techniques (such as optical microscopy) to capture particle images of the one or more particles in the plurality of particles received by the collection medium 131 as described herein, as described herein.

[0054] In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 can be connected to a power source 80 that is configured to receive power and power the fluid composition sensor 10. As non-limiting examples, the power source 80 can include one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, one or more constant power sources (e.g., wall outlets), etc. In some embodiments, the power source 80 can include an external power source that is positioned outside the fluid composition sensor 10 and is configured to deliver AC power or DC power to the fluid composition sensor 10. Additionally, in some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in , power source 80 may include an internal power source, such as one or more batteries, positioned within housing 11 of fluid composition sensor 10. In various embodiments, power source 80 may be connected to controller 50 to enable power to be distributed to fluid composition sensor 10 by the controller.

[0055] As described, the imaging device 300 of the fluid composition sensor 10 can be positioned at least substantially adjacent to the collection medium 131 (e.g., in contact with the collection medium or spaced a distance from the collection medium) such that the imaging device 300 can effectively capture one or more images of one or more particles embedded in the collection medium 131. As discussed herein, the collection medium 131 can be replaceable (e.g., as part of a cartridge that can be inserted into and / or removed from the fluid composition sensor 10), and thus the fluid composition sensor 10 can define one or more alignment features, support features, etc. for maintaining the collection medium 131 in a desired position relative to the imaging device 300 (e.g., so that the bottom surface of the collection medium 131 is in contact with or close to the imaging surface of the imaging device 300 (e.g., within 5 mm, within 3 mm, within 1 mm, etc.)). Such alignment features and / or support features may include one or more grooves, slots, ridges, etc. configured to position the collection medium 131 in a desired position relative to the imaging device 300. In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 (e.g., the imaging device 300) can have a designated field of view for capturing images of multiple particles of the multiple particles simultaneously, permanently and / or temporarily. The collection medium 131 can be positioned within the fluid composition sensor 10 relative to the imaging device 300 such that at least a portion of the collection medium 131 is within the field of view of the imaging device 300. Additionally, the collection medium 131 can be positioned relative to the imaging device 300 such that a portion (e.g., at least a portion) of the collection medium 131 in which particles from the volume of fluid flowing through the sensor 10 are disposed is visible (i.e., within the field of view) by the imaging device 300. In various embodiments, the field of view of the imaging device 300 can be rectangular and can be configured to include an aspect ratio of at most 1:20. The aspect ratio may be selectively configured to optimize the field of view of the imaging device 300 based at least in part on fluid flow velocity, pressure drop, and / or a Reynolds number associated with a volume of fluid traveling along at least a portion of the fluid flow path (e.g., through the impactor nozzle 112), each of which may be optimized to maximize flow performance and particle collection. For example, in various embodiments, the field of view of the imaging device 300 may have an aspect ratio of 3:4.

[0056] However, it should be understood that fields of view of other shapes, sizes, and proportions (eg, circular, oval, rectangular with different aspect ratios, etc.) may be provided in other embodiments.

[0057] As described herein, the field of view of the imaging device 300 on the collection medium 131 may correspond to the configuration of the imaging device 300 relative to the collection medium 131. Specifically, the field of view of the imaging device 300 may be at least partially defined by the distance between the imaging device 300 and the collection medium 131 disposed within the sensor 10. Additionally, as described herein, the area of ​​the collection medium 131 that receives particles from an exemplary volume of fluid as the exemplary fluid flows through the sensor 10 may correspond to the configuration of the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112 from which the exemplary volume of fluid is dispensed prior to impacting the collection medium 131. For example, the area of ​​the collection medium 131 that receives particles from a volume of fluid may be at least partially defined by the shape of the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112 and the distance between the nozzle outlet and the collection medium 131. Thus, the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112 may be configured to include a shape that corresponds to the shape of the field of view of the imaging device 300 of the sensor 10. Specifically, the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112 may be configured to define a shape that is at least substantially similar to the size and shape of the field of view of the imaging device 300 of the sensor 10. As described herein, in various embodiments, the field of view of the imaging device 300 may have an aspect ratio of at most 1:20 to optimize the field of view based at least in part on one or more fluid flow characteristics of the volume of fluid. For example, in an exemplary case where the field of view is defined by an aspect ratio of 3:4 and thus has a defined size, the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112 may include a rectangular cross-section having a length-to-width ratio of 3:4 and having the same defined dimensions (e.g., shape and / or area) to correspond to the configuration of the imaging device 300. For example, the impactor nozzle 112 may include a rectangular cross-section having a length at least substantially between 1 mm and 10 mm (between 3 mm and 3.6 mm) and a width at least substantially between 1 mm and 10 mm (between 3.9 mm and 4.5 mm).

[0058] Additionally, in various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 can be configured such that the central axis of the impactor nozzle 112 is at least substantially aligned with the field of view of the imaging device 300 so as to facilitate convergence of the field of view of the imaging device 300 with a portion of the collection medium 131 configured to receive particles from the volume of fluid flowing through the sensor 10. As described herein, to ensure proper alignment of each of the aforementioned components, the fluid composition sensor 10 can be configured to fix the collection medium 131, the impactor nozzle 112, and the imaging device 300 within the sensor (e.g., temporarily during performance of a particle collection and / or particle analysis function) in each of the x-direction, the y-direction, the z-direction, and the angular direction. For example, the fluid composition sensor 10 can be configured such that the collection medium 131 is disposed therein at a predetermined distance away from both the imaging device 300 and the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112, respectively, wherein the distance between the collection medium 131 and the imaging device 300 and the distance between the collection medium 131 and the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112 are calibrated to optimize the particle collection function and the particle analysis function of the sensor 10, as described herein.

[0059] As described herein, in various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor can be configured between an open housing configuration and a closed configuration. In various embodiments, the open housing configuration of the fluid composition sensor 10 can facilitate the removal of one or more sensor components from the internal sensor portion 13. For example, the fluid composition sensor 10 in the open housing configuration can be configured to allow the collection medium assembly 100 to be reconfigured relative to at least a portion of the internal sensor portion 13 of the housing 11. In various embodiments in which the fluid composition sensor 10 is in an open configuration, the collection medium assembly 100 including the collection medium 131 disposed therein can be removed from the particle collection position within the internal sensor portion 13 of the fluid composition sensor 10. For example, when at least substantially the entirety of the fluid of the sample volume has passed through the surface of the collection medium 131 and the one or more images of the particles required to implement the particle analysis function of the sensor 10 have been captured, the collection medium assembly 100 can be removed from the internal sensor portion 13 and transported to an exemplary second position. When the fluid composition sensor 10 is in an open configuration, the removed collection medium assembly 100 can be replaced with a different unused replaceable collection medium assembly 100.

[0060] As another example, in various embodiments, the open sensor configuration of the fluid composition sensor 10 can facilitate removal of the removable fluid flow member 40 from the interior sensor portion 13 of the housing 11. As described herein, the removable fluid flow member 40 can be configured to receive the volume of fluid from the sensor fluid inlet 18 through at least one fluid flow member inlet 41A, and can define a fluid flow path 90 such that the volume of fluid can travel from the fluid flow member inlet 41A to the impactor nozzle 112. The removable fluid flow member 40 can define an interior portion through which each sample volume of fluid (and each of the plurality of particles therein) received by the sensor 10 passes, such that after one or more uses, an undesirable volume of particulate matter can begin to accumulate within the interior portion of the removable fluid flow member 40. The removable fluid flow member 40 can be arranged such that when the sensor 10 is in the open configuration, the fluid flow member 40 can be removed from the interior sensor portion 13 of the fluid composition sensor 10 to facilitate cleaning and / or replacement of the fluid flow member 40 so as to reduce the amount of undesirable particles present therein and minimize the risk of system errors caused by contamination.

[0061] Figure 4 A perspective view of an exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 in an open configuration according to embodiments described herein is shown. Specifically, Figure 4An exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 defining an open sensor configuration is shown, wherein the fluid composition sensor 10 includes an upper sensor housing 20 and a lower sensor housing 30 connected to each other via a hinged connection 16, so that the sensor 10 can be opened by moving the upper sensor housing 20 relative to the lower sensor housing 30 about the hinged connection 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge is a hidden hinge (e.g., a barrel hinge) that is completely contained within the perimeter of the housing, and when in a closed position, the hidden hinge achieves a flush connection between the planar surfaces of the upper sensor housing 20 and the lower sensor housing 30. However, it should be understood that other hinge configurations may be provided in other embodiments. In addition, although not shown, it should be understood that the hinge configuration may additionally include one or more electrical connectors, electrical connectors, etc., thereby enabling the transmission of power and / or control signals between the lower sensor housing 30 and the upper sensor housing 20. As shown, the upper sensor housing 20 and the lower sensor housing 30 are configured so that when the exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 is in a closed configuration, the interface between the two sensor housing portions 20, 30 defines a plane that is at least substantially horizontal. In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor may include a latch mechanism 17 configured to secure the upper sensor housing 20 in position relative to the lower sensor housing 30 such that the sensor 10 is locked in a closed configuration. The latch mechanism 17 may be configured to disengage based at least in part on detecting a user's interaction therewith (e.g., via a button disposed around the sensor housing 11 that is mechanically connected to the latch 17) to selectively reconfigure the fluid composition sensor 10 from the closed configuration to the open configuration, as described herein. Although illustrated as a mechanical latch mechanism, it should be understood that the latch mechanism 17 may be embodied as any device configured to secure the upper sensor housing 20 to the lower sensor housing 30 so as to prevent relative movement therebetween.

[0062] In various embodiments, the upper sensor housing 20 defines an interior sensor portion 13 configured to receive a removable fluid flow component 40. The upper sensor housing 20 can be configured to limit lateral movement of the removable fluid flow component 40 disposed therein relative to the interior sensor portion 13, wherein lateral movement of the fluid flow component 40 is movement in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to a removal / insertion direction of the fluid flow component 40 (i.e., a direction in which the removable fluid flow component 40 is removed from and / or inserted into the upper sensor housing 20). For example, one or more portions of the upper sensor housing 20 can engage the removable fluid flow component 40 to stabilize the position of the fluid flow component 40 relative to the sidewalls of the interior sensor portion 13 of the upper sensor housing 20, such that when the fluid composition sensor 10 is in a closed configuration, the fluid flow component 40 is limited from moving in the xy plane. Additionally, in various embodiments, the internal sensor portion 13 of the upper sensor housing 20 may include a geometry corresponding to an asymmetric external geometry of the removable fluid flow component 40 such that the fluid flow component 40 fits into the upper sensor housing 20 only when inserted into the internal sensor portion 13 in an angular configuration that ensures proper alignment of the fluid flow component 40 relative to, for example, an illumination source, an impactor nozzle, a collection media assembly, and / or an imaging device positioned within the housing 11 of the sensor 10.

[0063] In addition, the fluid composition sensor 10 can be configured such that when the sensor 10 is in a closed configuration, the upper sensor housing 20 can limit vertical movement of a removable fluid flow member 40 disposed therein relative to the inner sensor portion 13, wherein the vertical movement of the fluid flow member 40 is movement in a direction at least substantially similar to its removal / insertion direction. For example, in various embodiments, wherein the impactor nozzle of the fluid flow sensor 10 is not attached to the removable fluid flow member 40 (e.g., wherein the impactor nozzle defines an inlet portion of the collection medium assembly 100; wherein the impactor nozzle defines a portion of the housing 11 of the sensor 10), one or more portions of the upper sensor housing 20 can engage the removable fluid flow member 40 so as to apply a compressive force to the fluid flow member in the z-direction, thereby stabilizing the position of the fluid flow member 40 relative to the impactor nozzle and / or the collection medium. In such a configuration, when the fluid composition sensor 10 is in a closed configuration, the fluid flow member 40 can be limited from moving in the z-direction relative to the collection medium 131. In addition to further stabilizing the position of the removable fluid flow component 40 relative to the collection medium 131, the vertical compressive force applied to the fluid flow component 40 from the upper sensor housing 20 can be used to form a fixed seal at the outlet of the fluid flow component 40 to isolate the sample volume of fluid flowing through the fluid flow component 40 from a certain volume of ambient fluid.

[0064] In various embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the lower sensor housing 30 of the fluid composition sensor 10 may include a collection media assembly base element 200 configured to receive a replaceable collection media assembly 100 and secure the collection media assembly 100 in a preferred alignment within the interior sensor portion 13, as described herein. In various embodiments, the collection media assembly base element 200 may be disposed within the interior sensor portion 13 of the fluid composition sensor 10 when the sensor 10 is in a closed configuration. In various embodiments, wherein the fluid composition sensor 10 is configured to be in an open configuration so as to define an opening through which a replaceable collection media assembly 100 and / or a removable fluid flow component 40 may be removed, the collection media assembly base element 200 may be disposed within the interior sensor portion 13 adjacent to the opening of the sensor 10 to allow removal and / or replacement of a replaceable collection media assembly 100 disposed therein through the sensor opening. In various embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown, where the fluid composition sensor 10 is configured such that the interface between the upper sensor housing portion 20 and the lower sensor housing portion 30 defines an at least substantially horizontal plane, the collection media assembly base element 200 can be disposed around the top portion of the lower sensor housing 30 proximate the interface.

[0065] In various embodiments, the collection media assembly base element 200 may include a collection media assembly receiver 210 into which a replaceable collection media assembly 100 may be inserted. As described herein, the collection media assembly receiver 210 may be at least partially embodied by an outer frame having a geometry corresponding to the geometry of the collection media assembly 100, such that the collection media assembly 100 may be inserted therein and secured in a desired position relative to one or more other components of the sensor. In various embodiments, the collection media assembly receiver 210 may be configured to limit lateral movement of a replaceable collection media assembly 100 disposed therein relative to the collection media assembly base element 200, wherein lateral movement of the collection media assembly 100 is movement in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to a removal / insertion direction of the collection media assembly 100 (i.e., the direction in which the collection media assembly 100 is removed from and / or inserted into the collection media assembly receiver 210). For example, one or more portions of the collection media assembly receiver 210, such as one or more of the collection media assembly receiver sidewalls, peripheral alignment tabs, and / or bottom alignment tabs 211, may engage the replaceable collection media assembly 100 to stabilize the position of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 within the collection media assembly receiver 210. In various embodiments, such a configuration may limit movement of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 relative to the imaging device within the xy plane, as discussed herein.

[0066] Additionally, in various embodiments, the collection media assembly base element 200 may include one or more alignment features that are positioned at least substantially adjacent to the collection media assembly receiver 210 and are configured to engage corresponding features of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 disposed within the receiver 210. For example, in various embodiments, as discussed herein, the collection media assembly base element 200 may include a peripheral alignment element that is configured to extend inwardly from the collection media assembly base element 200 toward the collection media assembly 100 disposed therein, the replaceable collection media assembly 100 having a corresponding recess that is configured to receive the peripheral alignment element therein. In such a case, the recess defined within the replaceable collection media assembly 100 may at least partially surround the peripheral alignment element such that when the collection media assembly 100 begins to rotate in an angular direction relative to the collection media assembly base element 200, at least a portion of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 defining the edge of the recess engages an adjacent peripheral alignment element that acts as a physical barrier to prevent the replaceable collection media assembly 100 from moving in a radial direction relative to the collection media assembly base element 200.

[0067] In addition, as described above, the fluid composition sensor 10 can be configured such that when the sensor 10 is in a closed configuration, the upper sensor housing 20 can limit vertical movement (e.g., in the z-direction) of a removable fluid flow member 40 disposed therein by applying a vertical compressive force to the fluid flow member 40 so that the fluid flow member 40 is compressed in the vertical direction against an adjacent impactor nozzle. In various embodiments, the above-described compressive force generated by the housing 11 and applied to the fluid flow member 40 can be transmitted to a replaceable collection medium assembly 100 disposed in a collection medium assembly base element 200 (e.g., a collection medium assembly receiver 210) so as to prevent the collection medium assembly 100 from moving in the vertical direction (e.g., in the z-direction) relative to the collection medium assembly base element 200 by pressing the collection medium assembly 100 against a constrained bottom surface of the collection medium assembly base element 200.

[0068] In various embodiments, the collection media assembly base element 200 may also include an imaging aperture extending through its thickness. The imaging aperture may be positioned within the collection media assembly base element 200 (e.g., the collection media assembly receiver 210) to enable a clear line of sight between: a receiving area of ​​the collection media 131 disposed within the replaceable collection media assembly 100 fixed within the collection media assembly base element 200 (i.e., a portion of the collection media 131 configured to receive particles from the volume of fluid flowing through the sensor 10), and an imaging device disposed within the lower sensor housing 30 below the collection media assembly base element 200. For example, the imaging aperture may be at least partially defined within the bottom surface of the collection media assembly base element 200 to facilitate the particle analysis function of the fluid composition sensor 10 by enabling the imaging device to capture images of the plurality of particles embedded within the receiving area of ​​the collection media 131, as described herein. In various embodiments, the imaging aperture may be configured such that the collection media assembly base element 200 does not interfere with the field of view of the imaging device.

[0069] As described herein, the collection medium assembly base element 200 may also include a transparent protective cover (e.g., clear glass, clear plastic, etc.) configured to cover the imaging aperture so as to protect the imaging device from contamination. The protective cover may be configured to allow the imaging device to maintain a line of sight relative to the collection medium 131, as described above, while physically isolating the imaging device from any fluid and / or particulate matter flowing through the sensor 10. For example, by preventing the fluid and / or particulate matter flowing through the sensor 10 from interacting with the imaging device, the transparent protective cover reduces errors associated with the particle analysis function that may be caused by contamination of the imaging device (which may cause errors). In various embodiments in which the fluid composition sensor 10 is in an open configuration, the replaceable collection medium assembly 100 disposed within the collection medium assembly base element 200 may be removed from a particle collection location within the internal sensor portion 13 of the fluid composition sensor 10. For example, the transparent protective cover may be arranged so that it is accessible to a user when the replaceable collection medium assembly 100 is removed. The transparent protective cover can be removed from the collection media assembly base element 200 to facilitate cleaning and / or replacement of the cover to minimize the risk of system inaccuracies caused by residual particles from a previous sample volume of fluid being disposed on the protective cover within the field of view of the imaging device, causing image distortion relative to the imaging and analysis of any subsequently examined particle sample.

[0070] In various embodiments, the collection media assembly base element 200 can be disposed within the interior sensor portion 13 (e.g., within the lower sensor portion 30) such that when the fluid composition sensor 10 is in the closed configuration, at least a portion of the collection media 131 of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 secured within the collection media assembly base element 200 can be within the field of view of the imaging device 300. Additionally, in various embodiments, wherein an impactor nozzle is included as an inlet to the replaceable collection media assembly 100, the collection media assembly base element 200 can be disposed within the interior sensor portion 13 such that the impactor nozzle (e.g., a central nozzle axis thereof) is at least substantially aligned with both the imaging device (e.g., the field of view) and the outlet of the fluid flow component 40 disposed within the lower sensor housing 30, as described herein. Additionally, in such configurations, the collection media assembly base element 200 can be disposed within the interior sensor portion 13 such that when the fluid composition sensor 10 is in the closed configuration, the light beam 61 emitted from the illumination source 60 can engage a portion of the collection media 131 that is at least substantially aligned with the field of view of the imaging device when extending through both the inlet and outlet of the impactor nozzle.

[0071] As described herein, the fluid composition sensor 10 includes an upper sensor housing 20 and a lower sensor housing 30 connected to each other via a hinged connection 16, such that the sensor 10 can be opened by moving the upper sensor housing 20 relative to the lower sensor housing 30 about the hinge 16. In various embodiments, the hinged connection of the fluid composition sensor 10 can at least partially anchor the relative movement between the upper sensor housing 20 and the lower sensor housing 30 so as to facilitate the repeatability of properly aligning each of the various sensor components respectively disposed within the two housing portions, as described herein.

[0072] Alternatively or in addition, the upper sensor housing 20 and the lower sensor housing 30 of the fluid composition sensor 10 may be configured to be completely separable from each other, such that configuring the fluid composition sensor 10 to the open configuration includes completely separating one of the two sensor parts 20, 30 from the other. In such a configuration, the fluid composition sensor 10 may include one or more additional latches and / or fastening elements configured to secure the upper sensor housing 20 to the lower sensor housing 30 in the closed sensor configuration. Figure 5 A perspective view and additional partial cross-sectional views of an exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 according to embodiments described herein are shown. Specifically, Figure 5An exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 is shown that can be configured between at least an open sensor configuration and a closed sensor configuration and includes an upper sensor housing 20 and a lower sensor housing 30, wherein the upper sensor housing 20 is shown using a cutaway perspective view. The open sensor configuration of the exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 can be defined by the upper sensor housing 20 and the lower sensor housing 30 being completely separated from each other. In various embodiments, the upper sensor housing 20 and the lower sensor housing 30 can be configured such that when the exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 is in the closed configuration, the interface between the two sensor housing portions 20, 30 extends around at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the housing 11 (around an at least substantially horizontal plane positioned between the two sensor portions 20, 30).

[0073] The exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 can be configured such that the sensor 10 can be selectively arranged into a closed configuration by utilizing one or more corresponding interlocking engagement features (e.g., tabs, rails, pins, etc.) disposed on the upper sensor housing 20 and the lower sensor housing 30, respectively. For example, each of the interlocking features can be disposed near a respective interface portion of the two sensor housing portions 20, 30, such that when performing, for example, a two-step attachment action, the upper sensor housing 20 can be secured to the lower sensor housing 30 and arranged such that a removable fluid flow component 40 disposed therein is aligned with at least a portion of an imaging device and a collection medium 131 disposed within the lower sensor housing 30, as described herein. In various embodiments, the removable fluid flow component 40 disposed therein can be aligned with at least a portion of an imaging device and a collection medium 131 disposed within the lower sensor housing 30 about a vertical axis extending through a central portion of the fluid composition sensor 10 or alternatively extending through a portion of the sensor positioned a distance away from the central portion. In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 can be configured such that a two-step attachment action can be defined by two actions that, when performed sequentially, facilitate arranging the sensor 10 in a closed configuration. Additionally, in various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 can be configured such that the sensor 10 can be rearranged to define an open configuration by performing the two actions of the two-step attachment action in reverse order. For example, in various embodiments, the exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 can be configured in a closed configuration using a two-step attachment action that is similar to the attachment action used to attach a camera lens to a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera or the sequential two-way actions required to open a child-resistant prescription pill bottle. The upper sensor housing 20 can be attached to the lower sensor housing 30 to define a closed sensor configuration by positioning one or more of the engagement features disposed about the upper sensor housing 20 relative to the one or more corresponding engagement features of the lower sensor portion 30, and rotating the upper sensor housing 20 about the central vertical axis of the fluid composition sensor 10 by an angular distance of, for example, 90 degrees. In various embodiments, upper sensor housing 20 may include one or more electronic components that may establish electronic communication with internal control circuitry of sensor 10 when rotated, for example, 90 degrees, to a locked position.

[0074] In various embodiments, the upper sensor housing 20 includes: a sensor fluid inlet, which is embodied as an opening through which the fluid composition sensor 10 can receive a volume of fluid from the surrounding environment; a handle 15; and a dust cover 14, which can be configured to reduce the amount of ambient fluid that inadvertently enters the fluid composition sensor 10 through the fluid flow component inlet by providing a physical cover that at least substantially isolates the fluid flow component inlet from the surrounding environment. For example, the dust cover 14 can be integrated into the housing 11 so that it can be selectively moved between an open position and a closed position. In addition, in various embodiments, the upper sensor housing 20 defines an internal sensor portion 13 configured to receive a removable fluid flow component 40. When the fluid composition sensor 10 is in an open configuration, the removable fluid flow component 40 can be inserted into the internal sensor portion 13 of the upper sensor housing 20. For example, the removable fluid flow component 40 can be fixed within the upper sensor housing 20 using one or more corresponding "snap-on" fastening features disposed around both the fluid flow component 40 and the internal sensor portion 13, respectively. The upper sensor housing 20 can be configured to maintain the desired alignment of the removable fluid flow member 40 within the inner sensor portion 13 using a force inducing element, such as a torsion spring that maintains contact with the fluid flow member 40 while allowing it to rotate. As shown, in various embodiments, the impactor nozzle 112 of the fluid composition sensor 10 can be part of the removable fluid flow member 40. For example, the impactor nozzle 112 can define a fluid outlet of the fluid flow member 40.

[0075] In various embodiments, the lower sensor housing 30 may include: a top surface configured to at least partially isolate various sensor 10 components disposed within the lower sensor housing 30 from the surrounding environment; and a fluid inlet, which may be defined by an orifice positioned about the aforementioned top surface, the orifice configured to receive a volume of air from the fluid flow component 40 when the fluid composition sensor 10 is in a closed sensor configuration. As shown, the exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 is configured such that a collection medium may be positioned within the lower sensor housing 30 to receive a plurality of particles from a volume of fluid dispensed by an outlet of an impactor nozzle (e.g., the fluid flow component 40). The collection medium may be disposed on a collection medium assembly 400 embodied as a disposable slider, as described in further detail herein. The fluid composition sensor 10 may be configured to receive a disposable slider 400 having a collection medium 131 attached thereto through an opening in the housing 11, and at least partially position the slider 400 within the internal sensor portion 13 such that the collection medium 131 is disposed within a fluid flow path of a volume of fluid traveling through the sensor 10. As described herein, the fluid composition sensor 10 can be further configured to arrange the slider 400 (e.g., collection medium) within the internal sensor portion 13 so that it can be aligned with the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112, the imaging device 300, and the illumination source. In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor can also include a slider ejection button 410 configured to facilitate the removal of the disposable slider 400 from the housing 11 of the sensor 10. In various embodiments, at the beginning of the particle collection function of the fluid composition sensor 10, as described herein, the sensor can be configured to lock the slider ejection button 410 so that it does not function to release the slider 400 disposed within the internal sensor portion 13 until, for example, it is determined by the controller that both the particle collection and particle analysis functions have been completed.

[0076] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A perspective view of an exemplary device according to various embodiments is shown. Specifically, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A top perspective view and a bottom perspective view are respectively shown of an exemplary removable fluid flow component 40 according to various embodiments described herein. In various embodiments, the removable fluid flow component 40 can be configured to receive a volume of fluid from a sensor fluid inlet through at least one fluid flow component inlet 41A, and can define at least a portion of a fluid flow path for the volume of fluid, whereby the volume of fluid can travel from the fluid flow component inlet 41A to the fluid flow component outlet 42. The removable fluid flow component 40 can be disposed within an interior sensor portion of the exemplary fluid composition sensor 10 and arranged such that the at least one fluid flow component inlet 41A is positioned at least substantially proximate to the sensor fluid inlet. Fig. 6AAs shown, in various embodiments, the at least one fluid flow component inlet can include a first fluid flow component inlet 41A and a second fluid flow component inlet 41B, each configured to receive a respective volume of fluid.

[0077] In various embodiments, the removable fluid flow component 40 may include a light path aperture 43 that includes a channel extending through at least a portion of the removable fluid flow component 40. For example, as described herein, an illumination source may be positioned within the interior sensor portion at least substantially adjacent to an exterior portion of the removable fluid flow component 40. The illumination source may emit a light beam in a direction at least substantially toward the collection medium 131. In various embodiments, the light path aperture 43 of the removable fluid flow component 40 may be configured such that a light beam emitted from the illumination source can extend through at least a portion of the removable fluid flow component 40 to the fluid flow component outlet 42 without being interrupted by a portion of the removable fluid flow component 40 (e.g., a wall). In this way, the configuration of the light path aperture 43 may correspond to the configuration of the illumination source and the light beam emitted therefrom. For example, in various embodiments, the illumination source may be arranged such that a light beam emitted therefrom extends in a direction at least substantially coaxial with a central axis of the removable fluid flow component 40 (e.g., the fluid flow component outlet 42). In such exemplary configurations, the beam aperture 43 of the removable fluid flow component 40 can similarly extend between a surface of the fluid flow component 40 adjacent to the illumination source and the fluid flow component outlet 42 in a direction coaxial with the central axis of the fluid flow component 40. Additionally, the beam aperture 43 can be at least partially defined by a diameter that is at least as large as the corresponding diameter of the light beam, and such that the sidewalls of the beam aperture 43 (along the thickness of the fluid flow component 40) do not substantially interfere with the light beam (e.g., causing light reflections that can produce interference in the generated image once the light is received at an imaging device). In various embodiments, the diameter of the beam aperture 43 can be constant, or can vary based at least in part on a light beam having a variable diameter (e.g., a diverging light beam).

[0078] like Figure 6BAs shown, the fluid flow component outlet 42 may include a passage disposed at least substantially adjacent to the bottom surface of the removable fluid flow component 40, through which a volume of fluid traveling through the removable fluid flow component 40 may be dispensed. As described herein, the fluid flow component outlet 42 may be configured to dispense a volume of fluid from the removable fluid flow component 40 in a direction at least substantially toward the impactor nozzle. For example, in various embodiments, the fluid flow component outlet 42 may be configured to at least substantially align with the nozzle inlet of the impactor nozzle. Additionally, in various embodiments, the size and shape of the fluid flow component outlet 42 may be at least substantially similar to the size and shape of the nozzle inlet. As described herein, in various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 may be configured to at least partially apply a compressive force to the removable fluid flow component 40 to form a fixed seal at the fluid flow component outlet 42, so as to ensure that the sample volume of fluid flowing from the fluid flow component outlet 42 to the impactor nozzle remains fluidically isolated from a volume of ambient fluid. Additionally, in various embodiments, the impactor nozzle of the fluid composition sensor 10 may be connected to the removable fluid flow component 40 to define a single sensor component, as described herein.

[0079] The removable fluid flow component 40 may be disposed within the internal sensor portion of the fluid composition sensor 10. As described herein, the removable fluid flow component 40 may be removed from the internal sensor portion to facilitate cleaning and / or replacement of the removable fluid flow component 40 so as to reduce the amount of undesirable particulate matter that has accumulated therein and minimize the risk of system errors caused by contamination. In various embodiments, the removable fluid flow component 40 may be composed of a plurality of separable components that fit together to jointly define the removable fluid flow component 40. In this case, the removable fluid flow component 40 may be at least partially disassembled so that at least a portion of the plurality of separable components may be cleaned individually. For example, disassembling the removable fluid flow component 40 prior to the cleaning process may enable access to one or more areas that are traditionally inaccessible in a single component.

[0080] In various embodiments, the removable fluid flow component 40 may include a light trap configured to absorb light so as to minimize the amount of light that is reflected from components within the internal sensor portion and toward the field of view of the imaging device, such light which may produce image interference that may at least partially obscure one or more features of the one or more particles disposed within the collection medium 131, as described herein.

[0081] A replaceable collection media assembly is received by a fluid composition sensor

[0082] Figure 7 1 shows an exploded view of various components of an exemplary device according to various embodiments described herein. Specifically, Figure 7 An exploded view of an exemplary embodiment is shown in which the fluid composition sensor 10 includes an imaging device 300, a collection media assembly base element 200, a transparent protective cover 201, and a replaceable collection media assembly 100. As shown, each of the aforementioned sensor components can be at least substantially coaxially aligned along a central vertical axis extending between the imaging device 300, an imaging aperture disposed within the collection media assembly base element 200, a field of view of the imaging device on the collection media of the particle collection slider 130, and a nozzle outlet and a nozzle inlet of an impactor nozzle disposed near the top of an upper box portion of the replaceable collection media assembly 100. In various embodiments, as described herein, the imaging device 300 (e.g., the field of view of the imaging device 300) and a receiving area of ​​the collection media 131 disposed within the replaceable collection media assembly 100 can be aligned about a vertical axis extending through a central portion of the fluid composition sensor or alternatively extending through a portion of the sensor located a distance away from the aforementioned central portion. Additionally, in various embodiments, the impactor nozzle, illumination source, and / or imaging apertures of the collection media assembly base element may be similarly aligned along at least substantially similar vertical axes.

[0083] In various embodiments, the replaceable collection media assembly 100 may be embodied as a replaceable box, for example, including an upper box portion 110, a lower box portion 120, and a particle collection slider 130. In various embodiments, the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 may together define a collection media housing configured to receive and secure the particle collection slider 130 therein. As described herein, the upper box portion 110 may be configured to receive a volume of fluid and / or direct the volume of fluid toward a receiving area of ​​a collection media disposed on the particle collection slider 130 such that at least a portion of the particles within the volume of fluid received by the upper box portion become embedded in the collection media. In addition, the lower box portion 120 may include an opening extending therethrough so as to enable an image of the plurality of particles disposed on the particle collection slider 130 to be acquired from the underside of the replaceable collection media assembly 100.

[0084] As described herein, one or both of the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 may be made of one or more of a variety of materials having any of a variety of different physical properties (e.g., surface finish, color). For example, in various embodiments, at least a portion of one or both of the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 may include a transparent material. In addition, in various embodiments, at least a portion of one or both of the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 may include a transparent material (such as glass). Alternatively or in addition, in various embodiments, at least a portion of one or both of the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 may be made of a non-reflective material having a black (e.g., matte black) finish so as to reduce and diffuse any light reflections within and / or near the replaceable collection media assembly 100. For example, in various embodiments, one or more surfaces of the replaceable collection media assembly housing may include a matte SPIC-2 finish. In various embodiments, at least a portion of one or both of the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 may include a conductive portion made of a static dissipative material or a static dissipative surface treatment is applied thereto. In addition, in various embodiments, at least a portion of one or both of the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 may include a hydrophobic material or a hydrophobic surface treatment is applied thereto. Alternatively or in addition thereto, in various embodiments, at least a portion of one or both of the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 may include a hygroscopic material or a hygroscopic surface treatment is applied thereto. In various embodiments, at least a portion of one or both of the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 may include an oleophobic material or an oleophobic surface treatment is applied thereto. Alternatively or in addition thereto, in various embodiments, at least a portion of one or both of the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 may include an oil mirror (e.g., oleophilic) material or an oil mirror (e.g., oleophilic) surface treatment is applied thereto.

[0085] In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 may also include a collection media assembly base element 200 configured to receive a replaceable collection media assembly 100 and secure the collection media assembly 100 in a preferred alignment within the internal sensor portion. For example, the collection media assembly base element 200 may be embodied as a tray (e.g., inserted relative to the lower sensor housing 30) including a collection media assembly receiver 210, the collection media assembly receiver being designed to include one or more geometric features corresponding to the physical configuration of the replaceable collection media assembly 100, such that the replaceable collection media assembly 100 may be inserted therein and secured in a desired position relative to one or more other components of the sensor 10. In various embodiments, the imaging device 300 may be operably attached (e.g., via a printed circuit board) to a bottom surface of the collection media assembly base element 200 and positioned directly adjacent to an imaging aperture extending through the collection media assembly base element 200, such that the imaging device 300 may have an unobstructed line of sight relative to a receiving area of ​​the particle collection slide 130, which receiving area may be at least substantially aligned with an illumination source, as described herein. Such a configuration facilitates the particle analysis function of the fluid composition sensor 10 by enabling the imaging device 300 to capture images of the plurality of particles embedded within the receiving area of ​​the particle collection slider 130 (e.g., collection medium) while the replaceable collection medium assembly 100 remains fixed within the collection medium assembly base element 200. In various embodiments, the collection medium assembly base element 200 may also include a transparent protective cover 201 configured to cover the imaging aperture at the top surface of the collection medium assembly base element 200 so as to protect the imaging device 300 from contamination.

[0086] In various embodiments, one or more portions of the collection media assembly receiver 210 (such as one or more of the collection media assembly receiver sidewalls, peripheral alignment protrusions, and / or bottom alignment protrusions) may engage the replaceable collection media assembly 100 to prevent movement of the collection media assembly 100 within the collection media assembly receiver 210 in the xy plane relative to the imaging device 300. Additionally, in various embodiments, the collection media assembly base element 200 may include one or more alignment features positioned at least substantially adjacent to the collection media assembly receiver 210 and configured to engage corresponding features of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 disposed within the receiver 210 to facilitate angular alignment of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 and prevent movement of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 in a radial direction relative to the collection media assembly base element 200. For example, such alignment features may be an alignment key and corresponding slot (as shown in the illustrated embodiment), a non-circular portion of the periphery of the replaceable collection media assembly 100, and the like. Additionally, as described in further detail herein, the replaceable collection media assembly can be further constrained in a vertical direction (e.g., z-direction) based at least in part on the configuration of the fluid composition sensor 10 and a downward vertical force transmitted through one or more sensor components to the replaceable collection media assembly 100 disposed within the collection media assembly receptacle 210 such that the replaceable collection media assembly 100 is pressed against a constrained bottom surface of the collection media assembly base element 200. As described herein, the collection media assembly base element 200 can be configured within the fluid composition sensor 10 such that a replaceable collection media assembly 100 inserted therein can be prevented from moving relative to the imaging device 300 in each of the x-direction, the y-direction, the z-direction, and the angular direction.

[0087] Replaceable collection media assembly

[0088] like Figures 8 to 12BAs shown, the fluid composition sensor 10 may include a replaceable collection medium assembly 100. In various embodiments, the replaceable collection medium assembly 100 may be configured to be disposed in the internal sensor portion of the fluid composition sensor and positioned in the fluid flow path defined by the sensor. As described herein, a certain volume of fluid including a plurality of particles and traveling along the fluid flow path may pass through the collection medium of the replaceable collection medium assembly 100, so that at least a portion of the plurality of particles in the volume of fluid is embedded in the collection medium. In various embodiments, the replaceable collection medium assembly 100 disposed in the fluid composition sensor may be removed from, for example, a particle collection position in the internal sensor portion of the fluid composition sensor. For example, when at least substantially the entirety of the fluid of the sample volume has passed through the surface of the collection medium and the imaging device has captured the one or more images of the particles required to realize the particle analysis function of the sensor 10, the replaceable collection medium assembly 100 may be removed from the internal sensor portion of the fluid composition sensor. In addition, as described herein, the removed replaceable collection medium assembly 100 may be replaced with a different unused replaceable collection medium assembly 100.

[0089] Figure 8 A perspective view of an exemplary replaceable collection media assembly according to various embodiments described herein is shown. Specifically, Figure 8 An unused replaceable collection media assembly 100 is shown, wherein the replaceable collection media assembly 100 is embodied as a replaceable cartridge. As described herein, the replaceable collection media assembly 100 can include a collection media and a collection media housing (e.g., a frame member) configured to receive the collection media (e.g., a particle collection slide on which the collection media can be disposed) and to secure the collection media relative to the housing. Additionally, in various embodiments, the collection media housing can be configured to facilitate transportation of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 and its positioning within the fluid composition sensor.

[0090] like Figure 8 As shown, the replaceable collection media assembly 100 may include an upper box portion 110, a lower box portion 120, and a particle collection slider (not shown). The upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 may define corresponding alignment features for assembling the box 100. For example, the upper box portion 110 may include a protruding edge along the lower side of the upper box portion 110, which is configured to engage a corresponding insertion edge along the upper side of the lower box portion 120, thereby enabling the upper box 110 to engage the lower box portion 120. In various embodiments, the upper box portion 110 can be fixed relative to the lower box portion 120 via any of a variety of fastening configurations, such as a band (e.g., around the outer periphery of the box 100), an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0091] In various embodiments, the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 may jointly define a collection medium housing configured to receive and fix a particle collection slider therein. Specifically, as shown in the figure, the lower box portion 120 may define a receiving portion of the particle collection slider (e.g., an insert portion having a size and / or shape corresponding to the size and shape of the particle collection slider). The receiving portion may be an insert portion having a depth corresponding to the thickness of the particle collection slider, and having a length and width size corresponding to the length and width of the particle collection slider, respectively, so that the particle collection slider is trapped in the box 100 when assembled to prevent undesirable movement therein. As shown, the replaceable collection medium assembly 100 may define a periphery that is at least substantially circular. In various embodiments, the upper box portion 110 may include a fluid inlet configured to receive a certain volume of fluid. In addition, as shown in the figure, the impactor nozzle 112 of the fluid composition sensor 10 may be a part of the replaceable collection medium assembly 100. For example, the impactor nozzle 112 may be positioned on the top portion of the replaceable collection medium assembly 100 so as to define a part of the upper box portion 110. In such a configuration, the impactor nozzle 112 can define a fluid inlet of the replaceable collection medium assembly 100, and the replaceable collection medium assembly 100 can be configured to receive a volume of fluid through the fluid inlet from a removable fluid flow component positioned upstream within the fluid composition sensor. The impactor nozzle 112 can be further configured to direct the volume of fluid toward the collection medium of the replaceable collection medium assembly 100, so that at least a portion of the particles within the volume of fluid received by the upper box portion become embedded in the collection medium.

[0092] As described herein, in various embodiments, both the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 can include one or more alignment features configured to facilitate alignment and / or positioning of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 within the fluid composition sensor. Figure 8As shown, both the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 define peripheral alignment recesses 113, 123 extending inwardly from the peripheral edge toward the central portion thereof. The peripheral alignment recesses 113, 123 may include portions (e.g., slits) of the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120, respectively, that have been cut away, such that they may be configured to receive corresponding peripheral alignment elements extending from the collection media assembly base element 200, wherein the replaceable collection media assembly 100 is disposed inwardly toward the central portion of the replaceable collection media assembly 100. The upper peripheral alignment recess 113 and the lower peripheral alignment recess 123 may be at least substantially aligned relative to each other, and may each receive a portion of a peripheral alignment element to align the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120, respectively, in a desired angular configuration relative to the collection media assembly base element 200 (and thus relative to an imaging device positioned adjacent thereto, as described herein). In such a configuration, the peripheral alignment recesses 113, 123 may at least partially surround the peripheral alignment elements of the collection media assembly base element 200. In an exemplary scenario in which the collection media assembly 100 begins to rotate in an angular direction relative to the collection media assembly base element 200, for example, at least a portion of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 defining the edges of the peripheral alignment recesses 113, 123 may engage adjacent peripheral alignment elements, thereby acting as a physical barrier to prevent the replaceable collection media assembly 100 from moving in an angular direction relative to the collection media assembly base element 200.

[0093] In various embodiments, a fluid composition sensor may be susceptible to increased inaccuracy over time, for example, because the number of particles collected within a replaceable collection media assembly 100 changes due to an increased number of particles disposed therein. Therefore, the collection media assembly 100 and / or one or more components thereof may be replaceable. In various embodiments, replacing the replaceable collection media assembly 100 and / or one or more components thereof may include removing the assembly from the fluid composition sensor and replacing the replaceable collection media assembly 100 and / or one or more components thereof with substantially similar portions. For example, in order to minimize the risk of system inaccuracy caused by residual particles from a previous sample volume of fluid disposed within the collection media before the particle collection function of the sensor began, a replaceable collection media assembly 100 including a used collection media may be removed from the sensor and replaced with an unused replaceable collection media assembly 100. In various embodiments, as Figure 8As shown, an unused replaceable collection medium assembly 100 may include a sealing cover 114 (such as an adhesive sticker) configured to cover the entire fluid inlet of the replaceable collection medium assembly 100. In addition, in various embodiments, an unused replaceable collection medium assembly 100 may also include a sealing cover 114 configured to cover the entire fluid outlet of the replaceable collection medium assembly 100, which fluid outlet is at least partially defined by an opening along a bottom portion of the collection medium assembly 100. In such a configuration, the collection medium of the replaceable collection medium assembly 100 can be at least substantially isolated from the surrounding environment, so that the risk of contamination of the collection medium before insertion into the fluid composition sensor is minimized. As shown, the sealing cover 114 of the replaceable collection medium assembly 100 may include a single adhesive element having various portions, which are configured to cover one of the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the replaceable collection medium assembly 100 and an intermediate connecting portion extending therebetween through the peripheral alignment recesses 113, 123.

[0094] Fig. 9 1 shows an exploded view of various components of an exemplary device according to various embodiments described herein. Specifically, Fig. 9 An exploded view of an exemplary replaceable collection media assembly 100 is shown. As described herein, the replaceable collection media assembly 100 of the fluid composition sensor can be embodied as, for example, a replaceable box including an upper box portion 110, a lower box portion 120, and a particle collection slider 130. The upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 can together define a collection media housing configured to receive and secure the particle collection slider 130 therein. As described herein, the upper box portion 110 can be configured to receive a volume of fluid, for example, via an impactor nozzle 112 positioned on a top portion thereof (e.g., via a nozzle inlet), and / or direct the volume of fluid toward a receiving area of ​​a collection media 131 disposed on the particle collection slider 130, such that at least a portion of the particles within the volume of fluid received by the upper box portion 110 become embedded in the collection media.

[0095] In various embodiments, the particle collection slider 130 may include a transparent substrate 132 having a collection medium 131 on at least a portion of its upper surface. As described herein, the collection medium 131 may be configured to receive one or more particles of the plurality of particles via interaction with a volume of fluid traveling through the fluid composition sensor along a fluid flow path. In various embodiments, the collection medium 131 may include a receiving surface configured to face the impactor nozzle 112, and may be positioned at least substantially adjacent to (e.g., directly secured to) a back side of the transparent substrate 132. The receiving surface of the collection medium 131 may include a receiving area defining a portion of the collection medium 131 that is configured to receive particles from the volume of fluid flowing through the sensor 10 based at least in part on the arrangement of the collection medium 131 relative to the nozzle outlet of the impactor nozzle 112. In addition, the collection medium 131 may have a thickness at least substantially between about 10 microns and about 1000 microns (e.g., 100 microns), the thickness being defined by the distance between the receiving surface and the back side. In various embodiments, the collection medium 131 can include a material adapted to prevent one or more particles in the plurality of particles from traveling to a receiving surface at a certain speed before the particles reach the back side, such that the one or more particles in the plurality of particles are embedded within the collection medium at a certain distance along the thickness of the collection medium 131. For example, in various embodiments, the collection medium can include a bonding (i.e., sticky) material, such as a gel.

[0096] In various embodiments, the replaceable collection media assembly 100 may include multiple components. Fig. 9 As shown, the upper box portion 110, the lower box portion 120, and the particle collection slider 130 are three different components of the replaceable collection media assembly 100. Alternatively, in various embodiments, the particle collection slider 130 can be molded into the lower box portion 120, so that the replaceable collection media assembly 100 can include two different components that can be pieced together to form a single box. In addition, the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 can be molded together into a single frame element. In this case, the single frame can include one or more openings that are configured to receive the particle collection slider 130 so that it can be properly positioned within the single frame, as described herein.

[0097] In various embodiments, the lower box portion 120 of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 may include one or more features configured to receive the particle collection slider 130 and at least partially secure the slider 130 in a preferred arrangement adjacent to a top thereof. For example, the lower box portion may receive and secure the particle collection slider 130 using a recessed shelf 122 embodied as an indentation in a top surface of the lower box portion, the recessed shelf 122 having a shape and size at least substantially similar to the shape and size of the particle collection slider 130. Additionally, the lower box portion 120 may include an opening 124 extending therethrough to enable an image of the plurality of particles disposed on the particle collection slider 130 to be acquired from the underside of the replaceable collection media assembly 100. Additionally, the opening 124 of the lower box portion 120 may enable a volume of fluid to flow through the replaceable collection media assembly 100 to a fluid outlet thereof. As described herein, when replaceable collection media assembly 100 is disposed within a fluid composition sensor, at least a portion of opening 124 of lower housing portion 120 may be aligned with a receiving area of ​​collection media 131 and a field of view of an imaging device of the fluid composition sensor.

[0098] In various embodiments, the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 can be configured to be assembled together so that the particle collection slider 130 disposed on the lower box portion 120 is fixed therebetween. In various embodiments, the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 can each have a corresponding attachment feature corresponding to the attachment feature of the other box portion so that the two box portions 110, 120 are assembled and fixed together. For example, the one or more attachment features can include one or more geometric features (e.g., protruding ridges, indentations, etc.) configured to facilitate a semi-permanent engagement between the two box portions 110, 120. In various embodiments, the upper box assembly 110 and the lower box assembly 120 can be collectively configured to at least substantially completely constrain the particle collection slider 130 when assembled together with the particle collection slider 130 disposed therebetween, so that the slider cannot move in any direction relative to the upper portion 110 or the lower box portion 120.

[0099] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B A perspective view of an exemplary replaceable collection media assembly according to various embodiments described herein is shown. Specifically, Fig. 10A and Fig. 10BA top perspective view and a bottom perspective view are respectively shown of a lower box portion 120 of an exemplary replaceable collection media assembly 100 according to various embodiments described herein. The lower box portion 120 of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 may include a frame element that defines at least a portion of the collection media housing. In various embodiments, the lower box portion 120 may be configured to receive and secure a particle collection slider. For example, the lower box portion may include one or more features configured to receive the particle collection slider and at least partially secure the slider in a preferred arrangement adjacent to its top. Fig. 9 As shown, the lower box portion 120 can receive the particle collection slider using a recessed shelf 122 embodied as a dent in the top surface of the lower box portion 120. The recessed shelf 122 may be at least partially defined by a peripheral sidewall extending around its outer boundary so as to at least partially constrain the movement of the particle collection slider disposed therein. The shape and size of the recessed shelf 122 may be at least substantially similar to the shape and size of the particle collection slider. In various embodiments, the recessed shelf 122 may be configured to extend across the opening 124 of the lower box portion 120 so that the recessed shelf 122 defines two different shelf portions on either side of the opening 124, each shelf portion being configured to receive a portion of the particle collection slider. In this configuration, the recessed shelf of the lower box portion 120 is configured so that the particle collection side disposed therein may extend above at least a portion of the opening 124.

[0100] As described herein, the opening 124 of the lower box portion 120 can extend through the lower box portion 120 in a substantially vertical direction so as to enable the underside of a particle collection slider positioned within the lower box portion 120 (e.g., a plurality of particles embedded within a collection medium disposed on the particle collection slider) to be visible from below the replaceable collection media assembly 100. As described herein, such a configuration can allow an imaging device positioned below the replaceable collection media assembly 100 within a fluid composition sensor to capture an image of the plurality of particles embedded in the collection medium of the replaceable collection media assembly 100. Additionally, the opening 124 of the lower box portion 120 can enable a volume of fluid received by the replaceable collection media assembly 100 to flow therethrough to a fluid outlet of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 while passing through at least a portion of a surface of the collection medium. For example, where the recessed shelf 122 can be configured to extend across the opening 124 of the lower box portion 120, the volume of fluid can flow through one of two different opening portions 124A, 124B located on either side of the particle collection slider. In various embodiments, when replaceable collection media assembly 100 is disposed within a fluid composition sensor, at least a portion of opening 124 of lower box portion 120 can be at least substantially aligned with a receiving area of ​​the collection media and a field of view of an imaging device of the fluid composition sensor.

[0101] As described herein, the lower box portion 120 can be configured so that it can be assembled with the upper box portion to define a collection medium housing. In various embodiments, the lower box portion 120 may include one or more attachment features configured to facilitate the connection between the lower box portion 120 and the upper box portion. For example, the one or more attachment features may include one or more geometric features (e.g., protruding ridges, indentations, etc.) configured to facilitate semi-permanent bonding of the lower box portion 120 to the upper box portion. Fig. 10A As shown, the one or more attachment features of the lower case portion 120 can include a geometric profile (such as a ridge) extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the lower case portion 120. In various embodiments, the one or more attachment features of the lower case portion 120 can correspond to at least one of the attachment features defined by the upper case portion to facilitate assembly of the lower case portion 120 to the upper case portion in a fixed configuration.

[0102] like Fig. 10B As shown, the lower box portion 120 may include an internal cavity defined by its bottom surface and / or sidewalls. In various embodiments, the bottom surface of the lower box portion 120 may be at least partially defined by one or more geometric features 121 so as to produce an internal cavity profile corresponding to the profile of at least a portion of the collection medium assembly base element disposed in the fluid composition sensor. The lower box portion 120 may be configured to facilitate the insertion and alignment of the replaceable collection medium assembly 100 in the collection medium assembly base element based at least in part on the internal cavity and the one or more geometric features 121 disposed therein. For example, in various embodiments, wherein the collection medium assembly base element includes a bottom alignment protrusion extending upward from its bottom surface into the collection medium assembly receiver, the lower box portion 120 may be configured to receive the bottom alignment protrusion in the internal cavity, so that the one or more geometric features 121 therein can engage the bottom alignment protrusion to stabilize the position of the replaceable collection medium assembly 100 in the collection medium assembly receiver. In various embodiments, the configuration of the lower box portion 120, such as the arrangement of the geometric features 121 within the internal cavity, the length of the side walls, etc., can be such that when the lower box portion 120 is disposed within a collection medium assembly base element in a fluid composition sensor, a particle collection slider secured to the lower box assembly 120 can be positioned a predetermined distance away from an imaging device to optimize the particle analysis function of the sensor, as described herein.

[0103] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B A perspective view of an exemplary replaceable collection media assembly according to various embodiments described herein is shown. Specifically, Fig.11A and Fig. 11BA top perspective view and a bottom perspective view are respectively shown of an upper box portion 110 of an exemplary replaceable collection media assembly 100 according to various embodiments described herein. In various embodiments, the upper box portion 110 may define a portion of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 that is configured to receive a volume of fluid traveling through the fluid composition sensor and direct the volume of air toward the collection media. As described herein, the upper box portion 110 may be configured such that it can be assembled with the lower box portion to define a collection media housing. In various embodiments, the upper box portion 110 may include one or more attachment features configured to facilitate connection between the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion. For example, the one or more attachment features may include one or more geometric features (e.g., protruding ridges, indentations, etc.) configured to facilitate semi-permanent engagement of the upper box portion 110 with the lower box portion. As described herein, the upper box portion 110 may be configured such that it can be assembled with the lower box portion to define a collection media housing. Fig. 11B As shown, the one or more attachment features of the upper box portion 110 may include a geometric profile (such as an outer flange) extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the upper box portion 110. In various embodiments, the one or more attachment features of the upper box portion 110 may correspond to at least one of the attachment features defined by the lower box portion to facilitate assembly of the upper box portion 110 to the lower box portion in a fixed configuration.

[0104] like FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B As shown, the upper box portion 110 can be configured to include an impactor nozzle 112 of the fluid composition sensor. For example, the impactor nozzle 112 can be positioned on the top portion of the upper box portion 110. In such a configuration, the impactor nozzle 112 can define a fluid inlet 111 of the upper box portion 110, and the upper box portion 110 can be configured to receive a certain volume of fluid from, for example, a removable fluid flow component positioned upstream in the fluid composition sensor through the fluid inlet. For example, the fluid inlet 111 of the upper box portion 110 can be defined by the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112. In various embodiments, the impactor nozzle 112 can be further configured to guide the volume of fluid toward a particle collection slider (e.g., a receiving surface of a collection medium arranged on a particle collection slider) disposed in the replaceable collection medium assembly 100, so that at least a portion of the particles in the volume of fluid received by the upper box portion 110 become embedded in the collection medium. The impactor nozzle 112 can extend from the top portion of the upper box portion 110 into the interior portion of the upper box portion 110, so that when the upper box portion 110 is attached to the lower box portion and the particle collection slider is disposed between the upper box portion and the lower box portion, the fluid inlet 111 of the upper box portion (e.g., the impactor nozzle outlet) is positioned a predetermined distance away from the particle collection slider (e.g., the receiving surface of the collection medium disposed on the particle collection slider) to optimize the particle collection function of the sensor, as described herein.

[0105] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B1 shows perspective views of various exemplary replaceable collection media assemblies according to various embodiments described herein. Specifically, FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B A replaceable collection media assembly 100 embodied as a replaceable cartridge including various configurations is shown. In various embodiments, the replaceable collection media assembly 100 can be configured to facilitate insertion of a collection media disposed within a collection media housing into a fluid composition sensor in a particular arrangement relative to an imaging device and / or an impactor nozzle 112 so as to facilitate particle collection and particle analysis functions of the sensor, as described herein. Thus, in various embodiments, the replaceable collection media assembly 100 can be configured based at least in part on one or more components disposed within a fluid composition sensor with which the replaceable collection media assembly 100 can interact.

[0106] For example, as described herein, the replaceable collection media assembly 100 can be configured to enable it to be inserted into a collection media assembly base element and facilitate repeatability of its proper alignment within a fluid configuration sensor. For example, the replaceable collection media assembly 100 can include one or more alignment features that are configured to engage one or more other components within the sensor to facilitate linear and / or angular alignment of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 relative to the collection media assembly base element. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B As shown, for example, replaceable collection media assemblies 100 can each define an asymmetric (e.g., non-circular) perimeter, such as a triangular or rectangular perimeter. In such configurations, and where a collection media assembly base element disposed within a fluid composition sensor comprises a substantially similar shape, replaceable collection media assemblies 100 can be mated into the collection media assembly base element only in an angular configuration that ensures proper alignment of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 (e.g., the collection media within the replaceable collection media assembly) within the sensor, as described in further detail herein.

[0107] Additionally, in various embodiments, wherein the impactor nozzle 112 of the fluid composition sensor is included as a distinct component of the sensor or as part of a removable fluid flow component disposed within the sensor, for example, the replaceable collection media assembly 100 may be configured without the impactor nozzle. In such a case, Fig. 12BAs shown, the fluid inlet 111 of the replaceable collection medium assembly 100 can be defined by the upper box portion 110. The fluid inlet 111 can be configured so that the volume of fluid passes through the fluid inlet in a direction of fluid flow at least substantially perpendicular to the collection medium. In this exemplary case, the upper box portion 110 can be configured so that when the upper box portion 110 and the lower box portion 120 are attached to each other and the particle collection slider is disposed between the upper box portion and the lower box portion, the fluid inlet 111 of the upper box portion 110 is positioned away from the particle collection slider (e.g., a receiving surface of the collection medium disposed on the particle collection slider) by a predetermined distance. The fluid inlet 111 can be at least partially defined by dimensions 111A and 111B so as to direct the volume of fluid toward an area on the receiving surface of the collection medium that is completely within the field of view of the imaging device, as described herein. For example, the dimensions 111A, 111B can be configured at least in part based on the aspect ratio of the imaging device.

[0108] Fig.13 A perspective view of an exemplary collection media assembly base member according to various embodiments described herein is shown. In various embodiments, the collection media assembly base member 200 can be configured to receive a replaceable collection media assembly and secure the collection media assembly in a preferred alignment within an interior sensor portion of a fluid composition sensor. Fig.13 As shown, the collection media assembly base element 200 may be embodied as a tray including a collection media assembly receiver 210, which is designed to include one or more geometric features corresponding to the physical configuration of the replaceable collection media assembly, so that the replaceable collection media assembly can be inserted therein and fixed in a desired position relative to one or more other components of the sensor. In various embodiments, the collection media assembly base element 200 may be configured so that an imaging device can be operably attached (e.g., via a printed circuit board) to its bottom surface. For example, an imaging device operably attached to the collection media assembly base element 200 can be positioned directly adjacent to an imaging orifice 212 extending through the collection media assembly base element 200, so that the imaging device can have an unobstructed line of sight through the collection media assembly base element 200. In this configuration, as described herein, the collection media assembly base element 200 (e.g., the imaging orifice 212) facilitates the particle analysis function of the fluid composition sensor by enabling the imaging device to capture an image of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 while the replaceable collection media assembly 100 remains fixed within the collection media assembly base element 200.

[0109] In various embodiments, one or more portions of the collection media assembly receiver 210, such as one or more of the collection media assembly receiver sidewalls, peripheral alignment protrusions 213, and / or bottom alignment protrusions 211, may engage a replaceable collection media assembly disposed therein so as to prevent movement of the replaceable collection media assembly in the xy plane relative to the collection media assembly base element 200. For example, the bottom alignment protrusion 211 may be configured to extend upwardly from a bottom interior surface thereof into the collection media assembly receiver 210. In such a configuration, wherein the replaceable collection media assembly 100 is positioned within the collection media assembly receiver 210, the bottom alignment protrusion 211 may be configured to protrude into the interior cavity of the lower box portion of the removable collection media assembly so as to engage one or more of its bottom surface, sidewalls, and geometric protrusions, thereby stabilizing the position of the replaceable collection media assembly within the collection media assembly receiver.

[0110] Additionally, as described herein, the collection media assembly base element 200 may include one or more alignment features positioned at least substantially adjacent to the collection media assembly receiver 210 and configured to engage corresponding features of a replaceable collection media assembly disposed within the receiver 210. The one or more alignment features may facilitate angular alignment of the replaceable collection media assembly and prevent movement of the replaceable collection media assembly, for example, in an angular direction relative to the collection media assembly base element 200. In various embodiments, as described herein, the collection media assembly base element 200 may be configured within a fluid composition sensor such that a replaceable collection media assembly inserted therein may be prevented from moving relative to the collection media assembly base element 200 in each of the x-direction, the y-direction, the z-direction, and the angular direction.

[0111] FIG. 14A to FIG. 15B Various views of various sensor components of exemplary sensors according to various embodiments described herein are shown. Specifically, Fig.14A and Fig. 14BVarious cross-sectional views of an exemplary replaceable collection media assembly 100 disposed within a collection media assembly base element 200 are shown, wherein the replaceable collection media assembly 100 includes an impactor nozzle 112. As described herein, the replaceable collection media assembly 100 of the fluid composition sensor can be embodied as, for example, a replaceable cartridge including an upper cartridge portion 110, a lower cartridge portion 120, and a particle collection slider 130. The upper cartridge portion 110 and the lower cartridge portion 120 can together define a collection media housing configured to secure a particle collection slider 130 (e.g., collection media) relative to each of the two cartridge portions 110, 120. As described herein, the upper cartridge portion 110 can be configured to receive a volume of fluid, for example, via an impactor nozzle 112 positioned at a top portion thereof (e.g., via a nozzle inlet). The impactor nozzle 112 can be configured to direct the volume of fluid toward a receiving area of ​​the collection media disposed on the particle collection slider 130 in a direction of fluid flow at least substantially perpendicular to the collection media. The volume of fluid may travel from the outlet 111 of the impactor nozzle 112 and pass through at least a portion of the surface of the collection medium 131 such that at least a portion of the plurality of particles within the volume of fluid become disposed within the collection medium. As shown, while passing through the particle collection slider, the volume of fluid may continue along a fluid flow path through one or more openings defined by the lower box portion 120 located on either side of the particle collection slider 130.

[0112] As shown, an imaging device 300 of a fluid composition sensor can be operably attached (e.g., via a printed circuit board) to a collection media assembly base element 200. The imaging device 300 can be positioned directly adjacent to and / or at least partially within an imaging aperture extending through the collection media assembly base element 200, such that the imaging device 300 can have an unobstructed line of sight relative to the particle collection slider 130. Such a configuration can enable the imaging device 300 to capture an image of the plurality of particles embedded within a receiving area of ​​the particle collection slider 130 (e.g., a collection media) while the replaceable collection media assembly 100 remains fixed within the collection media assembly base element 200. In various embodiments, a portion of the collection media assembly base element 200 (e.g., a bottom alignment protrusion 211) can extend upwardly into an interior cavity of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 fixed thereto. For example, the collection media assembly base element 200 can be configured such that at least a portion of the imaging device 300 fixed thereto can be disposed within the interior cavity of the replaceable collection media assembly 100.

[0113] In various embodiments, at least a portion of the collection media assembly base element 200 may engage one or more of a bottom surface, a sidewall, and a geometric feature of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 to stabilize the position of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 relative to the collection media assembly base element 200 and / or an imaging device 300 attached thereto. For example, the replaceable collection media 100 may be secured within the collection media assembly base element 200 such that the particle collection slider 130 is disposed within the fluid composition sensor at an internal particle imaging distance 125 away from the imaging device 300. The internal particle imaging distance 125 may be such that a receiving area of ​​the collection media disposed on the particle collection slider may be located within the field of view of the imaging device 300. For example, in various embodiments, the internal particle imaging distance may be at least approximately between about 100 microns and about 5 mm (e.g., 1 mm). As described herein, the internal particle imaging distance 125 may be selectively specified to optimize the imaging capability of the imaging device 300 relative to the plurality of particles embedded within the collection media, thereby facilitating the particle analysis function of the fluid composition sensor.

[0114] As shown, the particle collection slider 130 can be configured to receive a plurality of particles from an exemplary volume of fluid dispensed from an outlet (e.g., fluid inlet 111) of an impactor nozzle 112 at a receiving area of ​​a collection medium disposed thereon. As described herein, the receiving area of ​​the collection medium can correspond to the configuration of the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112 from which the exemplary volume of fluid is dispensed prior to impacting the collection medium. For example, the receiving area of ​​the collection medium can be at least partially defined by an outer perimeter having a shape corresponding to the shape of the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112. Additionally, in various embodiments, the size of the receiving area and / or the percentage of particles that impact the collection medium within the volume of fluid can correspond at least partially to an internal particle imaging distance 115 defined by the distance between the outlet of the impactor nozzle and the collection medium. In various embodiments, the internal particle collection distance 115 can be configured to maximize the percentage of particles from a volume of fluid that become embedded within the collection medium. The internal particle collection distance 115 can be set so that the entire receiving area of ​​the collection medium disposed on the particle collection slider 130 can be located within the field of view of the imaging device 300. As described herein, the internal particle collection distance 115 may be selectively specified to optimize the particle collection function of the fluid composition sensor. In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 may be configured to facilitate the convergence of the field of view of the imaging device 300 and the receiving area of ​​the collection medium. For example, in various embodiments, the central axis of the impactor nozzle 112 (e.g., the fluid inlet 111) may be at least substantially aligned with the field of view of the imaging device 300. In addition, the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112 may be configured to include a shape at least substantially similar to the field of view of the imaging device 300. For example, in an exemplary case where the field of view is defined by an aspect ratio of 3:4, the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112 may include a rectangular cross-section having a height-to-width ratio of 3:4 and having an overall size corresponding to the configuration of the imaging device 300.

[0115] Fig.15A and Fig. 15BVarious side cross-sectional views of an exemplary replaceable collection media assembly 100 disposed within a collection media assembly base element 200 are shown, wherein the replaceable collection media assembly 100 does not include an impactor nozzle 112. In such a configuration, a fluid inlet 111 of the replaceable collection media assembly 110 may be defined by the upper box portion 110. As shown, the fluid inlet 111 of the replaceable collection media assembly 100 may be configured to receive a sample volume of fluid from an outlet of an impactor nozzle, which may be embodied as one of the various components of the sensor or may be attached to other components that define at least a portion of a fluid flow path 90 within the sensor. For example, the upper box portion may include an impactor nozzle alignment element 116 that is configured to engage the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112 so as to minimize the risk of a portion of the volume of air being lost between the impactor nozzle 112 and the fluid inlet 111.

[0116] The fluid inlet 111 can be configured such that the volume of fluid passes through the fluid inlet in a direction of fluid flow at least substantially perpendicular to the collection medium. As described herein, the volume of fluid can travel from the fluid inlet 111 and through at least a portion of a surface of a collection medium disposed on the particle collection slider 130 such that at least a portion of the plurality of particles within the volume of fluid becomes disposed within the collection medium. While passing through the particle collection slider 130, the volume of fluid can continue to flow along the fluid flow path 90 through one or more openings defined by the lower box portion 120 located on either side of the particle collection slider 130.

[0117] As shown, the particle collection slider 130 can be configured to receive a plurality of particles from an exemplary volume of fluid dispensed from the fluid inlet 111 at a receiving area of ​​a collection medium disposed thereon. As described herein, the receiving area of ​​the collection medium can correspond to the configuration of the fluid inlet 111 from which the exemplary volume of fluid is dispensed before impacting the collection medium. For example, the receiving area of ​​the collection medium can be at least partially defined by an outer perimeter having a shape corresponding to the shape of the fluid inlet 111. Additionally, in various embodiments, the size of the receiving area and / or the percentage of particles within the volume of fluid that impact the collection medium can correspond at least partially to an internal particle imaging distance 115 defined by the distance between the fluid inlet 111 and the collection medium. In various embodiments, as described herein, the internal particle collection distance 115 can be configured to maximize the percentage of particles from a volume of fluid that become embedded in the collection medium. As described above, the fluid composition sensor can be configured to facilitate convergence of the field of view of the imaging device 300 and the receiving area of ​​the collection medium. For example, in various embodiments, the central axis of the fluid inlet 111 can be at least substantially aligned with the field of view of the imaging device 300. Additionally, the fluid inlet 111 can be configured to include a shape at least substantially similar to the field of view of the imaging device 300. For example, in an exemplary case where the field of view is defined by an aspect ratio of 3:4, the fluid inlet 111 can include a rectangular cross-section having a height-to-width ratio of 3:4 corresponding to the configuration of the imaging device 300.

[0118] Fig.16 A perspective view of an exemplary replaceable collection media assembly according to various embodiments described herein is shown. Specifically, Fig.16 A replaceable collection medium assembly 400 is shown, wherein the replaceable collection medium assembly 400 is embodied as a disposable slider. In various embodiments, the disposable slider 400 may include a transparent substrate 132 having a collection medium 131 on at least a portion of its upper surface. As described herein, the collection medium 131 may be configured to receive one or more particles of a plurality of particles via interaction with a volume of fluid traveling through the fluid composition sensor along a fluid flow path. In various embodiments, the disposable slider may also include a slider frame element 402 configured to support the transparent substrate 132 and the collection medium 131 attached thereto. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the slider frame element 402 may be embodied as a handle that is configured to facilitate user interaction with the disposable slider so as to enable the collection medium 131 to be removed and / or replaced from the fluid composition sensor 10. In various embodiments, the disposable slider may include at least two distinct and separable components. For example, in various embodiments, the slider frame element 402 may be selectively separable from the transparent substrate 132.

[0119] In various embodiments, the disposable slider may further include one or more compression elements 401. For example, the one or more compression elements 401 may include a protrusion extending from a slider frame element, the protrusion being configured to engage a portion of a fluid composition sensor when the disposable slider 400 is inserted into the internal sensor portion of the sensor, as described herein. In various embodiments, when inserted into the internal sensor portion of the sensor, the one or more compression elements 401 may be embodied as, for example, a spring molded into the slider frame element 402, the spring being configured to apply a compressive force against at least an adjacent portion of the sensor. Alternatively or in addition, the one or more compression elements may include a protrusion and / or surface disposed around the disposable slider 400, the protrusion and / or surface being configured to receive a compressive force from a corresponding spring element disposed within the fluid composition sensor. The one or more compression elements 401 may facilitate the stability of the disposable handle 400 within the internal sensor portion of the fluid composition sensor by constraining the movement of the disposable slider 400 in the vertical direction. In various embodiments, the disposable slider 400 may further include a latch. For example, in various embodiments, the latch may be defined by one of the compression elements. The latch can be configured to engage an adjacent interior portion of the sensor when the disposable slider 400 is inserted into the fluid composition sensor so as to prevent the disposable slider 400 from being removed from the sensor. The latch can be configured such that when pulled by a user in a removal direction, the latch can engage an adjacent interior sensor portion so as to restrict further movement of the disposable slider 400 relative to the fluid composition sensor in the removal direction.

[0120] In various embodiments, the disposable slider 400 may also include one or more identification elements configured to uniquely identify the specific disposable slider 400 corresponding thereto. The identification element 403 may include, for example, a barcode, a QR code, a serial number, etc. In various embodiments, the identification element 403 may be disposed on and / or within the transparent substrate 132 of the disposable slider 400. In such a configuration, the identification element 403 may be positioned around the disposable slider 400 so that the identification element 403 may be captured and / or identified by an imaging device disposed inside or outside the fluid composition sensor, as described herein. In addition, in various embodiments, as described herein, the controller of the fluid composition sensor may be used in combination with the aforementioned imaging device to facilitate identification and / or processing of the disposable slider 400 based at least in part on the identification element 403.

[0121] Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary fluid composition according to various embodiments described herein is shown. Specifically, Fig.17An exemplary replaceable collection media assembly 100 disposed within a fluid composition sensor is shown, wherein the replaceable collection media assembly 100 is embodied as a disposable slider 400. As described herein, the fluid composition sensor can be configured to receive a disposable slider 400 having a collection media 131 attached thereto through an opening in a sensor housing. The fluid composition sensor can position the slider 400 at least partially within an internal sensor portion such that the collection media 131 is disposed within a fluid flow path defined by a fluid of a sample volume traveling through the sensor. The disposable slider 400 can be arranged within the fluid composition sensor such that at least a portion of the collection media 131 disposed on the transparent substrate 132 can be at least substantially aligned with both the outlet 111 of the impactor nozzle 112 and the imaging device 300, as described herein. In such a configuration, the collection media 131 can define a receiving area configured to receive a plurality of particles from the fluid of the sample volume. For example, the receiving area of ​​the collection media 131 can be positioned within the field of view of the imaging device 300.

[0122] As shown, the fluid composition sensor can be configured such that when the disposable slider 400 is positioned at the particle collection position within the interior portion of the sensor, the compression element 401 of the disposable slider 400 can engage a corresponding adjacent portion of one or more sensor components disposed within the sensor. For example, the compression element 401 can be pre-configured to apply at least substantially vertical pressing forces to the corresponding adjacent sensor portion, so that the disposable slider 400 can receive a reciprocating force from the adjacent sensor portion. In various embodiments, the reciprocating force achieved by the disposable slider 400 in opposite vertical directions can cause the slider 400 to press against one or more vertical constraint surfaces within the sensor. Therefore, the reciprocating force applied to the disposable slider 400 and caused by the one or more compression elements 401 can be used to stabilize the disposable slider 400 in the sensor in a vertical direction. As shown, for example, the reciprocating force acting on the disposable slider 400 can cause at least a portion of the slider 400 (such as a portion of the transparent substrate 132 at least substantially adjacent to the receiving area of ​​the collection medium 131) to press against the imaging device 300 and / or a protective housing in which the imaging device 300 is disposed. In such a configuration, engagement of the slider 400 with the imaging device 300 may form a seal along the interface between the slider 400 and the imaging device 300 that may be used to protect the imaging device 300 from contamination, as described herein. Additionally, fixation of the slider relative to the imaging device 300 may enable the fluid composition sensor to control the internal particle imaging distance between the imaging device 300 and the transparent substrate in order to optimize the imaging capabilities of the imaging device 300 relative to the plurality of particles embedded within the collection medium 131. Similarly, the slider 400 relative to the imaging device 300 may enable the fluid composition sensor to control the internal particle collection distance 115 between the collection medium 131 and the outlet of the impactor nozzle 112 in order to optimize the particle collection function of the sensor, as described herein.

[0123] In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor may further include a slider eject button 410 configured to facilitate removal of the disposable slider 400 from the housing of the sensor. As described herein, the latch 411 of the disposable slider 400 may be configured to engage the slider eject button 410 to prevent the disposable slider 400 from being removed from the sensor. As shown, the latch 411 is defined by one of the compression elements 401. The latch 411 may be configured so that when pulled by a user in a removal direction (e.g., a substantially horizontal direction), the latch 411 may engage the slider eject button 410 to prevent the disposable slider 400 from further moving relative to the fluid composition sensor in the removal direction. For example, where the latch 411 is defined by one of the compression elements 401, the latch 411 may engage the slider eject button 410 in a direction substantially different from the direction of the aforementioned compression force configured to at least partially fix the slider 400 in the vertical direction (e.g., the y direction). The fluid composition sensor can be configured such that upon receiving a user input (e.g., a push force) at the slider eject button 410, a portion of the slider eject button 410 can move within the sensor to cause the latch 411 to separate therefrom, thereby enabling the disposable slider 400 to move relative to the fluid composition sensor in a removal direction. Additionally, in various embodiments, the fluid composition can further include an ejection spring configured to apply a push force against the disposable slider 400 in a removal direction when the slider is fully positioned in the particle collection position, as described above. In an exemplary case where the latch 411 of the slider 400 becomes separated from an adjacent portion of the slider eject button 410, the ejection spring 412 can press against the slider 400 to at least partially remove the slider 400 from the interior portion of the sensor.

[0124] Controller

[0125] like Fig.18 As shown, the fluid composition sensor 10 may include a controller 50 configured to control various operations associated with the particle collection function of the fluid composition sensor 10 and the imaging and analysis of particles collected by the sensor to determine at least one particle characteristic of a volume of fluid received by the sensor 10. Fig.18As shown, the controller 50 may include a memory 51, a processor 52, an input / output circuit 53, a communication circuit 55, an imaging device data repository 107, a collection medium characteristic database 54, a particle imaging circuit 56, a particle type identification circuit 57, and a particle collection circuit 58. The controller 50 may be configured to perform the operations described herein. Although the components are described for functional limitations, it should be understood that a specific implementation must include the use of specific hardware. It should also be understood that certain components described herein may include similar or common hardware. For example, both groups of circuits may use the same processor, network interface, storage medium, etc. to perform their associated functions, so that each group of circuits does not require duplicate hardware. Therefore, it should be understood that the use of the term "circuit" as used herein with respect to the components of the controller 50 includes specific hardware configured to perform functions associated with the specific circuits described herein.

[0126] The term "circuit" should be broadly understood to include hardware, and in some embodiments, software for configuring hardware. For example, in some embodiments, a "circuit" may include processing circuits, storage media, network interfaces, input / output devices, etc. In some embodiments, other elements of the controller 50 may provide or supplement the functionality of a particular circuit. For example, the processor 52 may provide processing functionality, the memory 51 may provide storage functionality, the communication circuit 55 may provide network interface functionality, etc.

[0127] In some embodiments, the processor 52 (and / or a coprocessor or any other processing circuit that assists the processor or is otherwise associated with the processor) may communicate with the memory 51 via a bus for transferring information between components of the device. The memory 51 may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and / or non-volatile memories. For example, the memory 51 may be an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer-readable storage medium). In various embodiments, the memory 51 may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, etc. for enabling the device to perform various functions according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that the memory 51 may be configured to store, in part or in whole, any electronic information, data, data structure, implementation, example, graphic, process, operation, technique, algorithm, instruction, system, device, method, lookup table, or computer program product described herein, or any combination thereof. As a non-limiting example, the memory 51 may be configured to store particle size data, particle type data, particle impact depth data, particle image data, particle shape data, particle cross-sectional area data, particle mass data, particle density data, and particle mass concentration data associated with a volume of fluid. In various embodiments, the memory may be further configured to store one or more particle impact depth momentum lookup tables.

[0128] The processor 52 may be embodied in a variety of different ways, and may include, for example, one or more processing devices configured to execute independently. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may include one or more processors configured in series via a bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and / or multithreading. The use of the term "processing circuitry" may be understood to include a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, multiple processors internal to a device, and / or a remote or "cloud" processor.

[0129] In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 52 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 51 or otherwise accessible to the processor. Alternatively or in addition, the processor may be configured to perform hard-coded functions. Therefore, whether configured by hardware methods or software methods, or by a combination of them, the processor may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuit form) that is capable of performing operations according to the embodiments of the present disclosure while being configured accordingly. Alternatively, for example, when the processor is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when executing the instructions.

[0130] In some embodiments, the controller 50 may include an input-output circuit 53, which may then communicate with the processor 52 to provide output to the user, and in some embodiments, receive input such as commands provided by the user. The input / output circuit 53 may include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface (GUI), and may include a display, which may include a network user interface, a GUI application, a mobile application, a client device, or any other suitable hardware or software. In some embodiments, the input-output circuit 53 may also include a display device, a display screen, a user input element (such as a touch screen), a touch area, a soft key, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a speaker (e.g., a buzzer), a light emitting device (e.g., a red light emitting diode (LED), a green LED, a blue LED, a white LED, an infrared (IR) LED, an ultraviolet (UV) LED, or a combination thereof), or other input-output mechanisms. The processor 52, the input-output circuit 53 (which may utilize a processing circuit) or both may be configured to control one or more functions of one or more user interface elements by computer executable program code instructions (e.g., software, firmware) stored in a non-transient computer readable storage medium (e.g., memory 51). Input-output circuitry 53 is optional, and in some embodiments, controller 50 may not include input-output circuitry. For example, where controller 50 does not interact directly with a user, controller 50 may generate user interface data for display by one or more other devices with which one or more users interact directly and transmit the generated user interface data to one or more of these devices. For example, controller 50 may generate user interface data for display by one or more display devices using user interface circuitry and transmit the generated user interface data to those display devices.

[0131] The communication circuit 55 may be a device or circuit embodied in hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and / or transmit data to a network and / or any other device, circuit, or module that communicates with the controller 50. For example, the communication circuit 55 may be configured to communicate with one or more computing devices via a wired (e.g., USB) or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.) communication protocol.

[0132] In various embodiments, the processor 52 may be configured to communicate with the particle imaging circuit 56. The particle imaging circuit 56 may be a device or circuit embodied in hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive, process, generate and / or transmit data, such as images captured by the imaging device 300. In various embodiments, the particle imaging circuit 56 may be configured to analyze one or more images captured by the imaging device 300 of the fluid composition sensor 10 to determine which particles of the plurality of particles present in the collection medium 131 were newly received by the collection medium 131 during the most recent particle analysis. The particle imaging circuit 56 may receive from the imaging device a first captured particle image and a second captured particle image captured at a first time and a second time, respectively, wherein the first time indicates that the fluid composition sensor 10 began analyzing the one or more particles of the plurality of particles captured by the collection medium 131, and the second time is after the first time (occurs after the first time). In such a configuration, the device can be configured to distinguish between particles present in the collection medium 131 at the beginning of the particle analysis and particles newly received by the collection medium 131 by comparing the corresponding particle images captured at the first time and the second time, and identifying any particles from the second captured particle image that were not captured in the first captured particle image. In various embodiments, the particle imaging circuit 56 can be configured to analyze one or more images captured by the imaging device 300 of the fluid composition sensor 10 to determine the particle size of each of the one or more particles in the plurality of particles in the collection medium 131. In various embodiments, the particle size can be defined by the cross-sectional area of ​​the particle. In various embodiments, the particle imaging circuit 56 can be configured to determine the particle size of particles having any one of a plurality of particle sizes. For example, the particle imaging circuit 56 can be configured to determine the particle size of particles having a diameter between about 0.3 microns and about 100 microns (e.g., 2.5 microns), and thus determine the particle size category with which the particle can be associated, such as, for example, PM10, PM4, PM2.5, or PM1. In various embodiments, the controller and / or the particle imaging circuit 56 may be configured to analyze one or more images captured by the imaging device 300 of the fluid composition sensor 10 to determine the shape of each of the one or more particles in the plurality of particles within the collection medium 131. In various embodiments, the particle shape may be at least partially defined by the particle cross-sectional area. The particle imaging circuit 56 may also be configured to determine the particle impact depth of each of the one or more particles in the plurality of particles within the collection medium 131 using one or more image focusing techniques. The particle imaging circuit 56 may be configured to execute instructions stored in, for example, the memory 51 for performing one or more image focusing techniques. In various embodiments, the one or more image focusing techniques may include one or more techniques such as angular spectrum propagation (ASP).In other embodiments, optomechanical adjustment can be used as an image focusing technique. In various embodiments, the particle imaging circuit 56 can use one or more image focusing techniques to determine the focus depth 122 of each of the one or more particles in the plurality of particles within the collection medium. When determining the focus depth of each of the one or more particles, the particle imaging circuit 56 can be configured to use known dimensions of the fluid composition sensor 10 to calculate, such as the collection medium thickness and the distance between the transparent substrate 108 and the imaging device 300, the impact depth 121 of each of the one or more particles in the plurality of particles within the collection medium 131. In various embodiments, for example, the impact depth 121 of the particle within the collection medium 131 can be calculated by subtracting the measured focus depth 122 of the particle from the sum of the collection medium thickness, the transparent substrate thickness, and the distance between the transparent substrate 108 and the imaging device 300. The particle imaging circuit 56 can send and / or receive data from the imaging device data repository 107. In various embodiments, the particle imaging circuit 56 can be configured to use one or more machine learning techniques to determine one or more particle characteristics of the particle. In various embodiments, the one or more machine learning techniques used by the particle imaging circuit 56 to determine the one or more particle characteristics of the particle may include deep supervised learning using one or more labeled data sets having one or more known particle characteristics (such as particle type, particle velocity, particle size, particle shape and / or any other data generated, transmitted and / or received by the controller 50).

[0133] In various embodiments, the processor 52 may be configured to communicate with the particle type identification circuit 57. The particle type identification circuit 57 may be a device or circuit embodied in hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to identify the particle type and / or particle class of one or more particles in the plurality of particles received by the collection medium 131. In various embodiments, the plurality of particles within a volume of fluid may include one or more particles of various particle types, such as one or more of bacteria, pollen, spores, mold, biological particles, soot, inorganic particles, and organic particles. In various embodiments, the particle type identification circuit 57 may use one or more machine learning techniques to determine the particle type and / or particle class of each of the one or more particles in the plurality of particles received by the collection medium 131. In various embodiments, the one or more machine learning techniques used by the particle type identification circuit 57 to determine the particle type and / or particle class of each of the one or more particles in the plurality of particles may include analyzing images captured by the imaging device 300, particle size data, particle shape data, and / or any other data generated, transmitted, and / or received by the controller 50. In various embodiments, the particle type identification circuit 57 can send and / or receive data from the imaging device data repository 107. In various embodiments, the particle type identification circuit 57 can be configured to compare the determined particle initial velocity to the particle velocity approximately calculated based at least in part on the known flow rate of the fluid moving through the fluid composition sensor 10, and generate velocity comparison data associated with the particle. In various embodiments, the particle type identification circuit 57 can be configured to perform a feedback loop, wherein one or more velocity comparison data associated with the one or more particles of the plurality of particles received by the collection medium 131 can define one or more inputs into a machine learning model to increase the machine learning rate associated with one or more machine learning techniques, as described herein.

[0134] In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 may be configured to have or communicate with a collection medium characteristic database 54. The collection medium characteristic database 54 may be stored at least in part on the memory 51 of the system. In some embodiments, the collection medium characteristic database 54 may be remote from the fluid composition sensor 10 but combined with the fluid composition sensor. The collection medium characteristic database 54 may contain information, such as one or more particle impact depth-momentum relationship lookup tables. In various embodiments, the particle impact depth-momentum relationship lookup table may include a data matrix for defining the relationship between the particle impact depth and the particle initial momentum (i.e., the momentum of the particle at the receiving surface of the collection medium 131, where the particle is received by the collection medium 131 at the receiving surface, as described herein) of a specific collection medium type. Various particle impact depth-momentum relationship lookup tables may include a data matrix for defining the relationship between the particle impact depth and the particle initial momentum of various collection medium types.

[0135] The particle collection circuit 58 can be a device or circuit embodied in any one of hardware or a combination of hardware and software, which is configured to control the particle collection function of the fluid composition sensor 10, as described herein. For example, the particle collection circuit 58 can control a fan disposed in the fluid control sensor 10 so as to perform a fluid sample collection process by pulling a certain volume of fluid from the surrounding environment into and passing through the fluid composition sensor 10. In various embodiments, the particle collection circuit 58 can configure the fluid composition sensor between an open configuration and a closed configuration, as described herein. In various embodiments, the particle collection circuit 58 can be configured to lock the fluid composition sensor 10 in a closed configuration during the fluid sample collection process. In addition, the particle collection circuit 58 can be configured to determine when the collection of the fluid sample is completed (e.g., after a predetermined amount of time, after the number of particles present in the collection medium has exceeded a predetermined threshold number of particles, and / or after the particle coverage percentage in the field of view has exceeded a threshold particle coverage percentage). When so determined, the particle collection circuit 58 can be configured to selectively unlock the fluid composition sensor 10 and configure the sensor 10 in an open configuration. Additionally, in various embodiments, the particle collection circuitry 58 can facilitate automatic reconfiguration and / or replacement of one or more collection media components, as described herein. In various embodiments, the particle collection circuitry 58 can communicate with the particle imaging circuitry 56 to facilitate capturing an image of an identification element disposed on a replaceable collection media component and subsequently identifying the image. In various embodiments, the image of the identification element disposed on the replaceable collection media component can be transmitted to one or more components (e.g., an internal sensor component and / or an external system database) to facilitate identifying a particular replaceable collection media component 100 captured in the image.

[0136] In various embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 may be configured to have an imaging device data repository 107 or to communicate with the imaging device data repository. The imaging device data repository 107 may be stored at least partially on the memory 51 of the system. In some embodiments, the imaging device data repository 107 may be away from the fluid composition sensor 10 but combined with the fluid composition sensor. The imaging device data repository 107 may contain information, such as images associated with one or more potential components of the fluid. In some embodiments, the imaging device data repository 107 and / or other similar reference databases that communicate with the fluid composition sensor 10 may include non-image information for identifying particles (e.g., for fluorescent particles, a spectrometer may be used by the fluid composition sensor 10 discussed herein, and the fluid composition sensor 10 may receive spectral information to identify particles and / or classify particles). In some embodiments, the fluid composition sensor 10 may also use machine learning to identify and / or classify particles, such that the fluid composition sensor 10 may use a reference database such as the imaging device data repository 107 to initially train the fluid composition sensor 10, and may then be configured to identify particles and / or classify particles without reference to the imaging device data repository 107 or other reference databases (e.g., the system may not actively communicate with the imaging device data repository 107 during normal operation).

[0137] in conclusion

[0138] Many modifications and other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A collection media assembly for receiving one or more particles from a volume of fluid within a fluid composition sensor, the collection media assembly comprising: shell; Transparent substrate; a collection medium disposed on the transparent substrate and configured to receive one or more particles from a volume of fluid received through a fluid inlet; at least one alignment feature; and wherein the housing defines an open lower end configured to interact with an imaging device such that the one or more particles received by the collection medium are visible from the open lower end of the housing through the transparent substrate, wherein each of the at least one alignment feature is configured to engage a corresponding element disposed within the fluid composition sensor so as to constrain relative movement between the collection media assembly and the corresponding element in at least a first direction; as well as at least one aperture extending through at least a portion of the housing, the at least one aperture being arranged to define a line of sight from the imaging device to the one or more particles received by the collection medium, the line of sight extending through the at least a portion of the housing, Wherein the at least one orifice is configured to enable the volume of fluid to flow through the collection media assembly.

2. The collection media assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to at least partially constrain the collection media relative to the housing.

3. The collection media assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing is at least partially defined by a central vertical axis extending therethrough in a vertical direction, and wherein the housing includes a perimeter that is asymmetric about the central vertical axis.

4. The collection media assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one alignment feature of the collection media assembly is configured to constrain relative movement between the collection media assembly and the imaging device disposed within the fluid composition sensor.

5. The collection media assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one alignment feature of the collection media assembly is configured to constrain the replaceable collection media assembly relative to the fluid composition sensor in at least a lateral direction, a vertical direction, and an angular direction.

6. The collection media assembly of claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet is at least partially defined by a fluid inlet shape that is at least substantially similar to a field of view shape of the imaging device disposed within the fluid composition sensor.

7. A collection media assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet is at least partially defined by a fluid inlet area, which is at least substantially similar to the field of view area of ​​the imaging device disposed within the fluid composition sensor.

8. The collection media assembly of claim 1 further comprising an impactor nozzle configured to define at least a portion of the fluid inlet of the collection media assembly, wherein the impactor nozzle is configured to direct the volume of fluid toward the collection media in a direction of fluid flow at least substantially perpendicular to the collection media.

9. A collection media assembly according to claim 8, wherein the impactor nozzle includes an impactor nozzle outlet at least partially defined by a nozzle outlet shape, and the nozzle outlet shape is at least substantially similar to the field of view shape of the imaging device disposed within the fluid composition sensor.

10. The collection media assembly of claim 8, wherein the impactor nozzle includes an impactor nozzle outlet defined at least in part by a nozzle outlet area, the nozzle outlet area being at least substantially similar to a field of view area of ​​the imaging device disposed within the fluid composition sensor.

Images